5/28/2020 - Global crude steel production fell an estimated 13.5% in April to 136.4 million metric tons, according to new numbers from the World Steel Association.

According to the association, production fell in every region of the world during the month. In North America, output dropped 28.3% year over year to 7.2 million metric tons. Production in the EU fell nearly 29% to 9.9 million metric tons. 

And in South America, production was off nearly 43%, falling to 2.1 million metric tons. 

In Asia, crude steel output was down 7.9% to 104.1 million metric tons. Chinese production, however, notched up 0.2% to 85 million metric tons. 

The association cautioned that the number may be revised in subsequent reports. 

“Due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, many of this month’s figures are estimates that may be revised with next month’s production update,” it said.