The metallurgical crisis is gaining momentum: global steel production is declining
In April 2026, global steel production amounted to 153.4 million tons, which is 1.9% less than in April 2025. In January-April of this year, global steel production decreased by 2% compared to the same period last year, to 613.3 million tons. Such data is provided by the World Steel Association (worldsteel) with reference to information from 69 countries that report to the organization.
The dynamics of steel production by region demonstrated multidirectional trends. Thus, African countries produced 2.1 million tons of steel in April, which is 11.5% more than in April 2025. Asia and Oceania produced 114.2 million tons, which is 1.3% lower on an overnight basis.
The EU (27) countries reduced smelting by 1.8% YoY, to 11 million tons. At the same time, other European countries increased steel production by 4.2% YoY to 3.6 million tons in April.
In the Middle East, production immediately fell by 27.6% compared to April 2025, to 3.7 million tons.
North American countries produced 9.4 million tons, an increase of 6.9% YoY. In South America, smelting increased by 3.1% YoY to 3.4 million tons.
Russia and other CIS countries + Ukraine produced 6 million tons, which is 13.4% lower than in April last year.
China has traditionally led the top ten steel-producing countries. The top 10 also includes India, the USA, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Turkey, Germany, Brazil, Vietnam.
