The 2004 edition of the International Iron and Steel Institute’s World Steel Figures contains essential facts about the world steel industry including steel production, consumption, trade, employment and basic statistics on scrap, iron-ore, pig iron and crude-steel production.

As in previous years, it lists the top steel-producing countries and companies around the world.

In 2003 the five largest steel-producing countries were China, at 220,1-million tons; Japan, at 110,5-million tons; the US, at 90,4-million tons; Russia, at 62,7-million tons; and South Korea, at 46,3-million tons.

Total world production reached 964,8-million tons in 2003, up from 903,6-million tons in 2002.

The largest five steel-producing companies in 2003 were Ancelor, at 42,8-million tons; LNM group, at 3,3-million tons; Nippon Steel, at 31,3-million tons; JFE, at 30,2-million tons; and Posco, at 28,9-million tons.

To subscribe to Engineering News's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.