34th Annual Census of World Casting Production -- 1999.

Nearly one-half of this year's respondents reported casting shipment increases over 1998 levels, including five of the world's 10 largest casting-producing nations.

According to modern casting's 34th Annual Census of World Casting Production, it appears the global metalcasting industry's "good-time 1990s" largely continued as the decade came to a close. While the number of responding nations reporting shipment gains over the previous year fell by one-third, 13 of the 29 responding nations reported casting shipment gains over '98 totals. Of the world's largest casting producers, five reported gains last year, led by China and Korea. Of the top 10, only Brazil shipped more castings at mid-decade than it did in '99.

After a 1-year absence, Austria and India have re-entered the census with current data for '99. High-production nations such as Russia, Taiwan and the United Kingdom failed to respond to the census, as did Belarus and Slovakia (the Netherlands submitted ferrous data only). Each remains listed, however, by the latest collected shipment information. Argentina, Australia and Egypt were dropped from the census because of the absence of recent data.

Due to the absence of the U.K. and new data for India, some changes have occurred in the top 10 list. Following is a summary of each nation's metric tonnage in '99 and 5-year trend:

1. U.S.--Shipments grew for the third straight year in '99 to 13.7 million tons (15.11 million short tons), a growth rate of 2.84%. Shipments were up 4.95% from 5 years ago.

2. China--After recording shipment declines 4 out of the previous 5 years (including an 8% drop in '98), China's '99 production increased 24%--the largest increase of the top 10--to 12.64 million tons. According to the Chinese Foundry Assn., the nation's heavy industry is "beginning its resurrection" from its depression of the late '90s. Shipments are up 11.6% from that of 5 years ago.

3. Japan--After improving upon its shipment total every year from '93-97, shipments fell for the second straight year in '99 (4%) to 5.97 million tons. Since '95, however, shipment totals are up 4.6%.

4. Germany--After notching 4 growth years out of the previous 5 (including each of the last 2 years), Germany's '99 shipments fell 2.6% to 4.33 million tons. Shipments remain up 4.64% from '95 levels.

5. India--India shipped 3.24 million tons in '99. This represented a 4.3% decline from its last-reported figures in '97. Over the past 5 years, shipments are up 5.8%.

6. France--After 2 years of growth, France's shipments fell 3.8% in '99 to 2.49 million tons. Shipments are 8.8% above '96 levels.

7. Italy--After 2 years of growth, shipments fell slightly (less than 1%) in '99 to 2.32 million tons. Total shipments are 2.5% higher than 5 years ago.

8. Korea--After 2 years of decline, Korea's shipments grew 6.3% in '99 to 1.61 million tons. Shipments are 1.48% above '95 levels.

9. Brazil--Brazil's '99 shipments grew slightly (less than 1%) to 1.57 million tons. Compared to '95, shipments were down 2.2%.

10. Mexico--After jumping 17.41% in '98, Mexico saw a 2.2% increase in '99 to 1.47 million tons. The nation again experienced the greatest 5-year growth of all reporting nations, improving 96% over '95 levels.

Beyond the top 10 reporting nations, eight other nations reported gains from '98. These include: Spain (40%), Canada (7.35%), Norway (6.14%), South Africa (5.22%), Belgium (3.37%), and Portugal, Romania and Denmark--each at less than 3%. Meanwhile, decreases were recorded for the Czech Republic (19.74%), Croatia (9.23%), Finland (9.21%), Ukraine (9.5%), Turkey (8.91%), Slovenia (5.02%) and Sweden, Hungary, Poland and Switzerland (each dropping less than 3%).

Shipment data typically is submitted by each nation's metalcasting trade association. Comments about participation in the annual census should be directed to: Census of World Casting Production, modern casting, 505 State Street, Des Plaines, IL USA 60016-8399 or e-mail: [e-mail].