Global Crude Steel Production Rises by 2.9 Percent in March

Asia was the main driver of the global increase, with production reaching 123.6 million metric tons in March – up by 3.9%. Growth was particularly strong in China, which produced 92.8 million metric tons (+4.6%), and in India, which recorded 13.8 million metric tons (+7.0%). Japan slightly increased its output by 0.2% to 7.2 million metric tons, while South Korea saw a decline of 5.3% to 5.0 million metric tons.

The European Union (EU-27) produced 11.7 million metric tons of crude steel in March, a marginal year-on-year increase of 0.2%. However, Germany, the largest steel producer in the EU, saw a significant decline of 11.7% to 3.1 million metric tons.

Turkey produced 3.1 million metric tons of crude steel, down by 2.8% compared to the previous year. The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) registered a production of 7.1 million metric tons, down by 3.5%, with Russia’s estimated output falling by 3.2% to 6.2 million metric tons.

In North America, crude steel output in March totaled 9.2 million metric tons, up by 1.4% year on year, while the United States produced 6.7 million metric tons – a decrease of 1.5%. South America recorded a strong increase of 6.5%, reaching 3.7 million metric tons, largely driven by Brazil’s output of 2.9 million metric tons (+6.6%).

Africa also saw a slight year-on-year rise of 0.6% to 1.9 million metric tons, and the Middle East produced 5.3 million metric tons, up by 1.9%.

Despite the positive figures for March, the steel industry continues to face challenges, especially in Europe and parts of Asia. It remains to be seen whether the upward trend can be sustained in the coming months.

Source: Worldsteel Association / Photo: marketSTEEL