Germany's steel output up in February

Data from Germany's Federal Statistical Office show that the country's crude steel output rose 0.6 percent year on year to 3.7 million metric tons in February. Pig iron output increased 1 percent year on year to 2.38 million metric tons. Compared to previous month, February crude steel production rose 7.6 percent and pig iron production increased 6.7 percent. Crude steel output totaled 7.13 million metric tons through the first two months of the year, down 6.7 percent year on year. In addition, pig iron output amounted to 4.61 million metric tons, down 7.7 percent year on year. Separately, German Steel Producers Association expects 2006 domestic steel production to increase 3.5 percent to 45.7 million metric tons.