In 2009, crude steel production in North America was 82.3 million metric tons, a decrease of 33.9 percent compared to 2008, according to the World Steel Association, Brussels. The U.S. produced 58.1 million metric tons of crude steel, 36.4 percent lower than 2008. World crude steel production reached 1,220 million metric tons for the year of 2009. This is a decrease of 8 percent compared to 2008. Visit www.worldsteel.org.