World crude steel production for the 61 countries reporting to the International Iron and Steel Institute was estimated to be 90.3 million tonnes in July — 4.5% higher than for July 2004.

The twenty five countries of the European Union (EU(25)) produced 14.4 million tonnes of crude steel in July, 9.4% less than in July 2004. Crude steel production in Germany was 3.5 million tonnes in July, a fall of 10.4% compared to the same month last year. The United Kingdom produced 1.0 million tonnes of crude steel in July, 9.4% lower than for July 2004. Year to date production for the region totaled 110.6 million tonnes through July, 3.0% lower than year-to-date 2004.

Production in Other Europe totaled 2.35 million tonnes in July 2005, 3.3% lower than in July 2004. Year-to-date production for the region, 16.6 million tonnes, was 0.2% below YTD 2004.

Production in the countries of the C.I.S. totaled 8.4 million tonnes in July 2005, 10.4% less than in July 2004. Year-to-date production for the region, 63.5 million tonnes, was 1.9% lower than YTD 2004

North American production totaled 10.2 million tonnes in July 2005, 8.7% lower than in July 2004. Production in Canada and the U.S. fell by even greater percentages, 13.8% and 9.1% below July 2004 production, respectively. Year-to-date production for the region, 74.3 million tonnes, was 3.6% lower than YTD 2004.

South American production for July 2005, 3.7 million tonnes, was 7.2% lower than in July 2004. The most significant cut-backs were recorded by Brazil (12.5% less than July 2004) and Paraguay (5.9% less than July 2004). Year-to-date production, 26.4 million tonnes, is still slightly (0.2%) ahead of YTD 2004.

Production in Africa totaled 1.6 million tonnes in July 2005, 10.4% more than in July 2004. The largest gains for the region were recorded by Egypt, Libya and Zimbabwe, with production that was 21.6%, 32.9% and 53.8% higher than the July 2004 for totals for each country, respectively. Although these increases might appear to be significant, it is important to note that together the three countries represent less than 1% of total world crude steel production for July 2005. Year to date production for Africa was 10.9% higher than YTD 2004.

Production in the Middle East totaled 1.2 million tonnes in July 2005, 7.6% higher than in July 2004. The largest gain over the period was recorded by Saudi Arabia, with production that was 27.8% higher than in July 2004. Year-to-date production for the region, 8.5 million tonnes, was 8.1% above YTD 2004 totals.

Representing nearly 53% of total world production for July 2005, production in Asia climbed to 47.8 million tonnes in July, 18.2% higher than July 2004. Representing 32% of total world production, Chinese production was 29.2 million tonnes in July, a rise of 28.6% compared to July 2004. Through the first seven months of 2005, total crude steel production in China is 193.8 million tonnes, an increase of 28.1% over the same period of 2004. For all of Asia, YTD production is now 17.1% ahead of YTD 2004.

Production for the 61 countries reporting to the International Iron and Steel Institute totaled 90.3 million tonnes in July 2005, an increase of 4.5% compared to July 2004. Reported year-to-date production totaled 636.2 million tonnes through July, an increase of 6.9%. Together, the countries reporting to the IISI represent approximately 98% of total world crude steel production in 2004.