Current data: German crude steel production remains weak in early 2025

Germany’s crude steel production continued its slow start into the new year, with output remaining significantly below previous-year levels. According to current data, 2.7 million tonnes of crude steel were produced in February 2025 – a 13.5% decrease compared to an already weak February 2024.

The downward trend extends to the year-to-date figures, which also show a substantial double-digit decline. Between January and February 2025, a total of 5.4 million tonnes of crude steel were produced, marking a year-on-year drop of 13.1%.

Production of oxygen steel fell particularly sharply, down 14.4% in February compared to the same month last year, and 15.2% lower over the first two months combined. Electric steel production also declined, albeit slightly less, with a year-on-year drop of 11.5% in February and 8.2% for the year to date.

Pig iron output mirrored the broader trend, decreasing by 15.9% in February and 16.1% over the first two months of 2025.

Production of hot-rolled steel products also saw a marked reduction. February output dropped 16.9% compared to the previous year, with cumulative production down 12.9% so far in 2025.

The figures highlight ongoing challenges for the German steel industry, which continues to be impacted by a combination of economic pressures, weak demand, and structural transformation within the sector.

Source: WV Stahl, Photo: Fotolia