12.5 percent increase in crude steel production in Iran

Iranian crude steel production in the first seven months of 2009 reached 6.5 million tons, showing a 12.5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2008.

The Islamic Republic of Iran News Network quoted a report of the International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI) stating that after Ecuador and Macedonia, which ranked first and second respectively, Iran ranked third in terms of production growth.

The increase in steel production in Iran happened while the average output declined in 66 countries until August, showing an 11.1 percent slump.

IISI also reported that Iranian crude steel production in the month of July was estimated to be about 870,000 tons which indicates a 15.1 percent increase in comparison to the year before.

During the fifth Iranian calendar month (July 23-August 22), steel production increased in only six countries namely Uzbekistan, Ecuador, Iran, Libya, China and India while it decreased in other countries.