United States Steel Corporation has informed that it temporarily ceased three of its plants for the coming few weeks following a steep decline in demand for steel products due to the worldwide economic slump.

According to the sources, this action would affect approximately 3,500 employees over the indefinite period at US Steel's Keewatin, Detroit and St Louis plants.

According to the company officials, due to nonstop business review, examination of market conditions and their impact on clientele orders, it had to take further steps to consolidate operations.

While commenting on the occasion, Mr John Surma, US Steel Chairman and Chief Executive stated, "We believe that our difficult decision to temporarily consolidate our production is a necessary response to current market conditions."