TEHRAN - Iran produced 6.82 million tons of crude steel in the first five months of 2015, with three percent rise from 6.608 million tons in the same period of time last year, the World Steel Association said in its latest report. 

The country’s crude steel output stood at 1.455 million tons in May 2015, showing 2.5 percent growth from 1.422 million tons in May 2014, according to the report. 

According to Iranian Ministry of Industries, Mines and Trade, Iran’s crude steel output is projected to increase to 18 million tons in the current Iranian calendar year, which began on March 21. The figure is to reach 55 million tons by 2025. 

Steel production rose 6 percent and 6.6 percent in Iran in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Iran was the biggest producer of crude steel in the Middle East in 2013. The country’s rank was 14th in the world in 2014, according to the WSA. 

MA/