World crude steel production for the 64 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 154.9 million tonnes (Mt) in May 2018, a 6.6% increase compared to May 2017.

China’s crude steel production for May 2018 was 81.1 Mt, an increase of 8.9% compared to May 2017. Japan produced 9.1 Mt of crude steel in May 2018, up 1.8% on May 2017. India produced 8.8 Mt of crude steel in May 2018, an increase of 7.6% compared to May 2017. South Korea’s crude steel production was 6.2 Mt in May 2018, an increase of 3.0% on May 2017.

In the EU, Italy produced 2.2 Mt of crude steel, up by 3.7% on May 2017. Spain produced 1.3 Mt of crude steel, up by 7.0% on May 2017. France produced 1.3 Mt of crude steel, a decrease of 6.5% compared to May 2017.

Turkey’s crude steel production for May 2018 was 3.3 Mt, up by 0.5% on May 2017.

Crude steel production in Ukraine was 1.7 Mt this month, up 2.9% on May 2017.

The US produced 7.1 Mt of crude steel in May 2018, an increase of 3.0% compared to May 2017.

Brazil’s crude steel production for May 2018 was 2.7 Mt, down by 8.6% on May 2017.

The crude steel capacity utilisation ratio of the 64 countries in May 2018 was 77.7%. This is 4.2 percentage points higher than May 2017. Compared to April 2018, it is 1.0 percentage point higher.

• The World Steel Association (worldsteel) is one of the largest and most dynamic industry associations in the world. worldsteel members represent approximately 85% of the world’s steel production, including over 160 steel producers with 9 of the 10 largest steel companies, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes.
• The monthly crude steel capacity utilisation ratio is calculated based on crude steel production information available at worldsteel, and OECD capacity estimates.