The steel industry is important for developing countries and steel production has increased significantly in countries like Europe, America, and Japan. China produces around 40% of the world's steel and has many steel mills to support its large-scale construction industry. However, China's construction industry and steel production are declining due to the slowing global economy. Steel prices in China have fallen substantially from 2007 to their lowest level in 2014. In 2013, China produced the most steel at 779 million tons, followed by Europe-CIS countries, Japan, the US, and India. Southeast Asian countries produce much less steel, with Malaysia the largest producer at 5.9 million tons. Many Southeast Asian countries import steel to support industrialization. China imports steel sheets