Global Steel Production Drops 5.8% in June, Amid China’s Slowdown

Global Steel Production Drops 5.8% in June, Led by China’s Slowdown

Global crude steel output fell by 5.8% year-on-year in June 2025, reaching 151.4 million tonnes across 70 reporting countries, according to the World Steel Association. Production also declined by 4.7% compared to May, reflecting seasonal slowdowns and weaker demand.

China, the world’s largest steel producer, was the main contributor to the global decline. Its output dropped 9.2% year-on-year to 83.2 million tonnes in June, signaling reduced industrial activity and tighter policy controls.

Meanwhile, India continued its strong upward trend with a 13.3% increase in steel production, reaching 13.6 million tonnes solidifying its position as the second-largest steel producer globally. The United States also saw growth, with output rising 4.6% to 6.9 million tonnes.

In contrast, major producers such as Japan, Russia, South Korea, Turkey, Germany, and Iran all reported lower output. Germany and Iran were among the hardest hit, with year-on-year drops of 15.9% and 15.5% respectively.

Steel production in the CIS region also fell by 8.8%, with Ukraine’s output down 2.3% to 621,400 tonnes.

For the first half of 2025, global steel production totalled 934.3 million tonnes down 2.2% from the same period last year. The drop highlights ongoing shifts in global supply patterns, with emerging economies like India gaining ground as traditional leaders scale back.