Global steel output surges 29 percent

As output exceeded levels before the economic crisis depressed demand, global steel production surged 29% in May from the level in May 2009, the World Steel Association said on June 21.

The 66 countries belonging to the trade body saw production reach 124 million metric tons in May, up from 96 million in May 2009 as the world economy was just beginning to emerge from crisis, according to a June 21 AFP report.