World steel production declines signifcantly compared to 2024

by David Fleschen

The World Steel Association (worldsteel) has reported a 4.4% decrease in global crude steel production for January 2025, with the 69 reporting countries producing 151.4 million tonnes (Mt). This represents a significant decline compared to the same period in 2024.

Regional Production Overview

Crude steel production declined across most regions:

  • Africa: Produced 1.9 Mt, a 3.5% decrease.

  • Asia and Oceania: Produced 112.3 Mt, down 4.5%.

  • European Union (EU 27): Produced 10.3 Mt, a drop of 3.3%.

  • Other Europe: Produced 3.5 Mt, a 6.8% decline.

  • Middle East: Produced 4.2 Mt, marking the steepest decline of 15.3%.

  • North America: Produced 9.0 Mt, down slightly by 0.5%.

  • Russia & other CIS + Ukraine: Produced 7.0 Mt, the only region to show growth with a 1.4% increase.

  • South America: Produced 3.2 Mt, a 9.8% decrease.

Leading Steel-Producing Countries

China remained the largest steel producer with an estimated 81.9 Mt in January 2025, although production decreased by 5.6% compared to the previous year. India was the standout performer among the top producers, with a 6.8% increase to 13.6 Mt.

Other notable figures include:

  • Japan: Produced 6.8 Mt, down 6.6%.

  • United States: Produced 6.6 Mt, up 1.2%.

  • Russia: Estimated at 6.0 Mt, a slight decline of 0.6%.

  • South Korea: Produced 5.2 Mt, an 8.8% decrease.

  • Türkiye: Produced 3.2 Mt, down 1.4%.

  • Germany: Estimated at 2.8 Mt, also down 8.8%.

  • Brazil: Estimated at 2.6 Mt, a 4.5% decline.

  • Iran: Produced 2.2 Mt, showing the largest decrease among major producers with a 24.1% drop.

Source and Graphic: Worldsteel

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