World Steel Association has reported that the world crude steel production for the 66 countries reporting to the organisation was 108 million metric tons (mmt) in February. This is 24.2% higher than February 2009. Compared to the same month in 2009, February 2010 crude steel production showed a continued increase in all the major–steel producing countries. The world crude steel capacity utilisation ratio for the 66 countries in February 2010 was 79.8%, a 15-month high since September 2008. Compared to February 2009, the utilisation ratio in February 2010 increased by 12.0% points.