28th census of world casting production - 1993.

Led by the humming economies of the U.S. and most of East Asia, casting production rose slightly from 1992-93, according to modern casting's 28th Census of World Casting Production.

This year's survey showed 66.83 million metric tons of castings shipped in 1993, compared to 61.44 million in 1992. Again, the Commonwealth of Independent States, China and the U.S. were the top three producers, respectively.

However, a cautionary note is needed when comparing the census' year-to-year data because:

* India rejoined this year's survey, reporting 1991-92 tonnage of 1.58 million. The Institute of Indian Foundrymen said its new information center will provide more detailed and updated information next year.

* Another million-plus producer, Brazil, also re-entered the census, with a 256, 140-metric-ton rise over its last reporting year (1991).

* Denmark and Italy remained out of the census due to unreported data.

Overall in 1993, casting output climbed for many of the major producers--North America, East Asia, the CIS and the United Kingdom--but continued to fall in most of Europe.

U.S. production jumped from 10.54 million metric tons in 1992 to 11.71 million in 1993, while Mexico's output rose an estimated 1000 metric tons. Canada reversed a downward trend by boosting its tonnage from 563,886 to 616,887.

Two producers in the Pacific Rim followed Canada's trend. Taiwan's output rose from 1.32 million in 1992 to 2.59 million and South Korea's increased from 1.4 million to 1.46 million.

China continued to expand its casting production, from 11.6 million metric tons in 1992 to 14.33 million in 1993. Japan, meanwhile, reported a second consecutive drop in output--from 7.18 million in 1992 to 6.68 million metric tons in 1993.

Maintaining its top position, the CIS boosted its production--from an estimated 14.3 million metric tons in 1992 to 15.59 million in '93.

In Europe, only the U.K. and Romania recorded higher tonnage. U.K. production edged up from 1.16 million in 1992 to 1.24 million in 1993, while Romania's rose from 506,000 to 780,000.

Casting shipments declined for the second straight year in: Austria (from 233,701 to 209,545 metric tons); Belgium (227,843 to 178,737); Finland (84,343 to 81,318); France (2.26 to 2.03 million); Germany (4.1 to 3.46 million);

Hungary (66,798 to 65,008); the Netherlands (137,850 to 106,654); Poland (759,570 to 750,650); Portugal (106,780 to 95,905); Spain (631,400 to 624,800); Sweden (234,600 to 230,500); and Switzerland (152,910 to 127,320).

Production in Norway--the only European country to boast higher production in 1992--fell about 5000 metric tons. Elsewhere, casting production climbed in Egypt, Turkey and Zambia.

When examining the production breakdown, keep in mind that some nations have combined their output under one metal category for convenience.

Comments about or participation in the annual census should be directed to: Editor, modern casting, 505 State St., Des Plaines, Illinois, U.S.A., 60016-8399; 708/824-0181; fax [phone].

Number of Operating Foundries Worldwide--1993
(from countries participating in 28th Census of World Casting Production)

COUNTRY                 IRON    STEEL   NONFERROUS   TOTAL

Austria                 133(1)     7          36           76
Belgium                  73       15          59          147
Brazil                  934(2)    --          --          934
Canada                  100       40          --          140
China, People's Rep     8458     2674(3)     2802      13,934
CIS(**)                4000(4)    --          --        4,000
Egypt                    27        4            3          34
Finland                  40        7           28          75
France                 177(5)     --        330(6)        507
Germany                 348       75          466         889
Hungary                44(7)      --           38          82
Japan                   747       117         564       1,428
Korea, Rep.             480       116         242         838
Netherlands             30(8)     --           39          69
Norway                   20         3          13          36
Peru                    102         7          80         189
Portugal                 51        12          --          63
Romania                  40        87         175         119
South Africa(*)          42        13          24          79
Spain                   146        42          88         276
Sweden                   37        10          75         122
Switzerland              24        --          47          71
Turkey                  100      42(*)         57(* 9)    199
United Kingdom(10)      245        45         250         540
United States(**)       700       300        2100       3,100
Zambia                    5         1          --           6

Total                17,003     3,548       7,402      27,953

* 1990 estimate ** estimate from Stratecasts, Inc.

1 includes 21 ductile and two malleable iron foundries; 11 foundries have
ferrous & nonferrous production

2 includes all foundries

3 includes 245 investment casting foundries

4 includes all foundries, most of which produce iron castings

5 includes steel foundries, and 27 foundries producing both ferrous and
nonferrous castings

6 includes 27 foundries with both ferrous and non-ferrous operations

7 includes steel foundries

8 includes steel foundries

9 includes 15 copper-based, 12 ductile and three malleable iron foundries.

10 British Foundry Assn, estimates.

TABULAR DATA OMITTED