Posted on 26 Jun 2025
Global crude steel output among the 70 countries surveyed monthly by the World Steel Association (WSA) fell by 3.8% on year in May to 158.8 million tonnes, widening from the marginal 0.1% decline recorded in April, according to WSA's latest release on June 24. The sharper drop was mainly attributed to a significant on-year fall in output from China - the world's largest steel producer.
Over January-May, the 70 countries' crude steel production added up to 784 million tonnes, down 1.3% on year. Within the total, China contributed 431.6 million tonnes, logging a 1.7% decline on year and accounting for 55.1% of the global output, Mysteel Global noted.
In May alone, China saw its crude steel output drop by a marked 6.9% on year to 86.6 million tonnes, accounting for 54.5% of the global total, down from a 55.1% share in April, Mysteel Global calculated based on WSA statistics.
China's lower steel output last month was mainly due to reduced operations at some of its integrated steel mills, as downstream steel demand - particularly for long steel products - weakened with the onset of the summer lull and persistent rainfall in the country's southern regions, as reported.
Among the world's top ten steel-producing countries, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Türkiye, and Germany also reported on-year declines in their crude steel output over the past month. All five nations posted lower cumulative output during the January-May period as well, according to WSA.
India, ranking as the world's second-largest producer of steel, continued to lead growth, with crude steel output in May rising 9.7% on year to 13.5 million tonnes, and its cumulative production over January-May climbed 8.2% on year to 67.2 million tonnes.
The United States and Brazil also recorded on-year increases in crude steel production in both May and the five-month period, WSA data showed.
Crude steel output of the world's top 10 steelmaking countries | ||||
Country | May 2025 | Jan-May 2025 | ||
(mln t) | Y-o-Y (%) | (mln t) | Y-o-Y (%) | |
China | 86.6 | -6.9 | 431.6 | -1.7 |
India | 13.5 | 9.7 | 67.2 | 8.2 |
Japan | 6.8 | -4.7 | 33.8 | -5.2 |
U.S. | 7.0 | 1.7 | 33.4 | 0.3 |
Russia (e) | 5.8 | -6.9 | 29.2 | -5.2 |
South Korea | 5.1 | -1.7 | 25.6 | -3.0 |
Türkiye | 3.1 | -2.8 | 15.4 | -1.4 |
Germany | 3.0 | -6.4 | 14.4 | -10.8 |
Iran (e) | 3.4 | 4.5 | 14.0 | -5.3 |
Brazil | 2.7 | 5.0 | 13.7 | 0.7 |
Total 70 | 158.8 | -3.8 | 784.0 | -1.3 |
(e): estimated, source: WSA | ||||
Source:Mysteel Global
