(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-21 20:07

Tokyo -- Japan's crude steel output increased 3.4 percent in 2007 from the previous year to 120.19 million tons, reaching a record high since 1973, the Japan Iron and Steel Federation (JISF) said Monday.

The production of specialty steel, used in vehicles and machinery parts, rose 2.4 percent to 26.14 million tons, while that of ordinary steel increased 3.7 percent to 94.05 million tons.

The JISF attributed the expansion to stronger demand for high- end sheet and increased orders from other Asian countries.

The industry body predicted continued strong output of crude steel in 2008, citing expected robust demand from manufacturers.