According to the association, the world’s steelmakers produced 1.69 billion metric tons of steel, up from 1.61 billion metric tons in the prior year.   

“Crude steel production increased in all regions in 2017 except in the (Russian Commonwealth), which has remained stable,” the association said. 

In the U.S., production rose 4% to 81.6 million metric tons, enough to retain its ranking as the world’s fourth-largest producer. China remained the world’s largest producer, making 831.7 million metric tons. Chinese output, which rose 5.7% from the prior year, accounted for 49% of global output. In 2016, it accounted for 49.2% of output. 

In India, steelmakers produced 101.4 million metric tons, up 6.2% from 2016. 2017 was the first time Indian steel production exceeded 100 million tons. India remains the world’s third-largest producer, behind Japan and China. Japanese production slipped in 2017, inching down 0.1% to 104.7 million metric tons.