Worldwide steel production increased by 5.4 percent on an annual basis in May to 162.7 million tons. The World Steel Association announced this.

China accounted for more than 89 million tonnes of steel. That is an increase of 10 percent compared to May 2018. In India, production was 5.1 percent higher at 8.7 million tonnes. Japan produced 8.7 million tonnes less than in the measurement period a year earlier.

The United States increased production by 5.4 percent to 7.7 million tonnes. A plus of 1.1 percent to 2.2 million tonnes was seen in Italy. France (minus 7.6 percent) suffered a production decline to 1.2 million tonnes.