Crude steel production in Europe, including the UK, totaled 16.5 million mt in April, down 3.7% from April 2021, but up 1.1% from March. January-April output for the region totaled 65 million, down 4.2% from the same period in 2021.

          Germany, the largest European steel producer, produced 3.3 million mt in April, down 1.1% year on year, but steady with March.

          The European steel market has been affected in recent months by a lack of demand from the auto sector because of the ongoing semiconductor and chip shortage, which is restricting vehicle production.

          Production of pig iron from 38 countries was 112 million mt in April, down from 114.2 million mt a year ago, but up from 108 million mt in March.

          Direct reduced iron produced worldwide in April amounted to 9.4 million mt, compared with 9.3 million mt a year ago and 9.3 million mt in March.

          Crude steel data covers the 64 countries that report to worldsteel, accounting for about 98% of the world's crude steel production.