China led world steel output again in 2008, producing 500,5-million tons, well ahead of its nearest rival Japan, which recorded production of 118,7-million tons last year.

The production figures were published in the 2009 edition of ‘World Steel in Figures’, released on Tuesday by global steel body Worldsteel.

The booklet estimated total world production at 1 326,5-million tons in 2008, down marginally from the 1 351,3-million tons produced internationally in 2007.

It listed the largest five steel-producing companies in 2008 as: ArcelorMittal with 101,6-million tons, Nippon Steel with 37,5-million tons, the Baosteel Group with 35,4-million tons, the Hebei Steel Group with 33,3-million tons, and JFE with 32,4-million tons.

Apart from  “comprehensive” information on crude steel production, the booklet also contained information on apparent steel use, trade, scrap, iron, and pig iron.

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