Global crude steel production down 0.3% YoY in May 2026_Qingdao Langruite Graphite Co., Ltd.

Jun. 23, 2026 - World crude steel production for the 70 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 157.9 million tonnes (Mt) in May 2026, a 0.3% decrease compared to May 2025.

Crude steel production by region

Africa produced 2.1 Mt in May 2026, up 10.3% on May 2025. Asia and Oceania produced 116.2 Mt, down 0.9%. The EU (27) produced 11.4 Mt, down 0.4%. Europe, Other produced 3.8 Mt, up 4.9%. The Middle East produced 3.9 Mt, down 19.4%. North America produced 10.1 Mt, up 15.6%. Russia & other CIS + Ukraine produced 6.7 Mt, down 4.8%. South America produced 3.5 Mt, up 3.7%.

Table 1. Crude steel production by region

	May 2026 (Mt)	% change May 26/25	Jan-May 2026 (Mt)	% change Jan-May 26/25
Africa	2.1	10.3	10.5	8.2
Asia and Oceania	116.2	-0.9	574.4	-1.5
EU (27)	11.4	-0.4	54.4	-1.5
Europe, Other	3.8	4.9	18.4	4.6
Middle East	3.9	-19.4	19.9	-14.6
North America	10.1	15.6	47.0	5.9
Russia & other CIS + Ukraine	6.7	-4.8	31.6	-9.6
South America	3.5	3.7	17.0	-0.7
Total 70 countries	157.9	-0.3	773.1	-1.5

Top 10 steel-producing countries

China produced 84.4 Mt in May 2026, down 2.7% on May 2025. India produced 14.1Mt, up 1.9%. The United States produced 7.5 Mt, up 9.2%. Japan produced 7.0 Mt, up 1.7%. South Korea produced 5.4 Mt, up 3.3%. Russia is estimated to have produced 5.6 Mt, down 5.4%. Türkiye produced 3.4 Mt, up 8.9%. Germany produced 3.2 Mt, up 7.3%. Brazil produced 2.8 Mt, up 2.4%. Viet Nam produced 2.6 Mt, up 27.2%.

Table 2. Top 10 steel-producing countries

	May 2026 (Mt)	% change May 26/25	Jan-May 2026 (Mt)	% change Jan-May 26/25
China	84.4	-2.7	415.5	-3.9
India	14.1	1.9	72.9	7.8
United States	7.5	9.2	35.6	6.8
Japan	7.0	1.7	33.6	-0.7
South Korea	5.4	3.3	26.4	2.7
Russia (e)	5.6	-5.4	26.4	-10.0
Türkiye	3.4	8.9	16.5	6.8
Germany	3.2	7.3	15.7	8.8
Brazil	2.8	2.4	13.4	-1.9
Viet Nam	2.6	27.2	12.6	26.8

Source from: worldsteel