Global steel production rises

World crude steel production for the 69 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 166.1 million tonnes (Mt) in March 2025.

This is a 2.9% increase compared to the same month a year ago.

China produced 92.8 Mt in March 2025, up 4.6% on March 2024, while India’s total was 13.8 Mt (+7.0%). Of the other top ten producers, Japan delivered 7.2 Mt (+0.2%); the US 6.7 Mt (-1.5%); Russia is estimated at 6.2 Mt (-3.2%).

Additionally, South Korea produced 5.0 Mt (-5.3%); Iran 3.3 Mt (+3.7%); Brazil 2.9 Mt (+6.6%); Türkiye 3.1 Mt (-2.8%); Germany estimated at 3.1 Mt (-11.7%).

Outlook delayed

Meanwhile, worldsteel has postponed publication of its biannual short range outlook (SRO) for steel demand because of the turmoil created by tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

‘Worldsteel believes that the imposition of tariffs by the US administration could render the SRO outdated,’ it says. ‘The SRO will be reviewed and reissued at an appropriate time.’