Global crude steel production rose 1.7% year-on-year to 155.7 million tonnes (mt) in June 2026, driven by higher output in major producing regions, even as first-half production remained marginally lower than a year ago, according to the World Steel Association (worldsteel).
Regional Production Trends
The 70 countries reporting to worldsteel, which account for about 98% of global crude steel production, produced 155.7 mt during the month. Regional performance varied sharply:
| Region | June 2026 Output (mt) | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Asia and Oceania | 115.2 | +1.5% |
| European Union | 10.8 | +4.6% |
| North America | 9.5 | +5.0% |
| Africa | 2.2 | +20.0% |
| Middle East | 4.0 | -13.4% |
| Russia & other CIS + Ukraine | 6.8 | -2.2% |
| South America | 3.5 | -0.3% |
Asia and Oceania, the world’s largest steel-producing region, recorded output of 115.2 mt in June, up 1.5% year-on-year. The European Union posted a 4.6% increase to 10.8 mt, while North America rose 5% to 9.5 mt. Africa reported the sharpest regional growth at 20% to 2.2 mt. In contrast, production declined in the Middle East by 13.4% to 4 mt, Russia and other CIS countries plus Ukraine by 2.2% to 6.8 mt, and South America by 0.3% to 3.5 mt.
Key Producer Performance
China, the world’s largest steel producer, increased output by 0.4% to 83.7 mt in June, though its first-half production was down 3% at 500 mt. India retained its position as the second-largest producer, with crude steel output rising 4.5% year-on-year to 14.1 mt in June. India’s production during January-June climbed 7.1% to 87 mt, the fastest growth among the top five steel-producing nations.
Among other major producers:
- United States, Japan, Germany, and Türkiye recorded year-on-year increases in June output.
- Russia and South Korea posted declines.
- Vietnam emerged as the fastest-growing producer among the top 10, with production surging 27.5% during the month.
First-Half Trends
Cumulative output for January-June stood at 931.5 mt, down 0.7% from the corresponding period last year. The first-half decline was led by a 3% drop in Chinese output, while India’s 7.1% growth provided a counterbalance. Vietnam’s rapid expansion also contributed to the overall global picture.
The World Steel Association’s data covers approximately 98% of global crude steel production, providing a comprehensive view of the industry’s trajectory through mid-2026. The mixed regional performance highlights ongoing shifts in the global steel landscape, with strong gains in Africa and the EU contrasting with declines in the Middle East and CIS.
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