FRANKFURT (AP) -- Germany's iron and steel industry saw production improve somewhat in May compared to April, though the industry's production was still well below year-ago output as the recession cut into overall industrial production.
The Federal Statistical Office said Monday the country's metal industry saw a 55 percent decline in the production of raw iron to 1.2 million metric tons in May, while raw steel production fell to 2.2 million metric tons, a 48 percent decline compared with May 2008.
The statistical office said however that, compared to April 2009, raw iron production in May was up more than 12 percent, while raw steel production was nearly 16 percent higher, indicating some turnaround in demand for basic materials.
Many companies in Germany -- the world's largest exporter -- have seen a decline in demand for their products, particularly car and heavy machinery producers.