Steel output down

World crude steel production in 1990, at 769.6 million tonnes, was 2% below the record high of 785.1 million tonnes posted in 1989, preliminary estimates of the International Iron and Steel Institute indicate. Western world output of 490.8 million tonnes decreased by 1.3%. The United States was down fractionally to 88.7 million tonnes. Japan’s production rose by 2.2% to 110.3 million tonnes, while the European Community saw its output slip by 2.6% to 136.5 million tonnes.