World steel production (take into account 66 countries) in 2009 decreased by 8% compared to 2008, up 1.22 billion tons, reported the World Association began (WSA).

smelting fell in all major countries and regions, producing steel, including the EU, North America, South America and the CIS. In Asia - particularly in China, India and the Middle East - steel production rose in 2009.

In December 2009 the steel production in 66 countries were at 106.4 million tons, a 30,2% higher than in December 2008. This figure rises a fourth month in a row in the annual comparison, after the fall from September 2008.

Steel production in China reached 567.8 million tons (an increase of 13,5% by 2008), which corresponds to 47% of total world production of steel (an increase of 9 percentage points by 2008).

Asian countries produced 795.4 million tons of steel up to 2009 (3.5% from the 2008). Japan smelted 87.5 million tons (a decrease of 26,3% by 2008). In India, steel production increased by 2,8%, to 56.6 million tons. South Korea has shown a decrease in steel production by 9,4%, to 48.6 million tons.

EU countries, including Germany, Italy and France, have demonstrated reduction in steel production by 29,7% in 2009, compared to 2008, to 139.1 million tons.

North America has released 82.3 million tons (a decrease of 33,9%). U.S. smelted 58.1 million tons, which is 36,4% lower than in 2008.

CIS countries reduced output of at 14,7% in 2009. Russia has released 59.9 million tons (-12.5% by 2008). Ukraine showed 20.2% decline in 2009 (up to 29.8 million tons).