U.S. REMAINS 4th INTERNATIONALLY IN STEEL OUTPUT

The United States remained fourth internationally in steel production after losing its third-place spot to India in 2014.

America made 78.8 million tons of steel last year, a fraction of the 803.8 million tons the world-leadingChina produced last year, the World Steel Association noted in its 2016 edition of World Steel in Figures.

"In 2015, concern over excess capacity once again increased," World Steel Association General DirectorEdwin Basson said.

"Restructuring is not new; it is an ongoing process as old as the industry itself, and it requires appropriate industrial policy developed by governments in cooperation with industry. Barriers to exit as well as social and environmental impacts need to be addressed and planned for.