Global steel production fell slightly in May 2026, but over the first five months of the year it dropped by 1.5 percent. China saw a similar decline, while the United States recorded a clear increase. Production also rose in India and Germany, but the European Union as a whole continues to see a decrease in steel output.
According to World Steel Association data, global crude steel output in January–May 2026 totaled 773.1 million tonnes, down 1.5 percent year-on-year. China, which produces more than half of the world’s steel, reduced its output by 3.9 percent to 415.5 million tonnes. Weak domestic demand, especially from construction, and growing trade barriers such as the EU’s CBAM and new safeguard measures are behind the decline. Beijing is also pushing to close old, inefficient mills.
In contrast, the United States rose to third place among global producers, overtaking Japan. In May alone, US production surged over 15 percent. Over five months, US output reached 35.6 million tonnes, up 6.8 percent, while Japan produced 33.6 million tonnes, down 0.7 percent. The tariffs imposed during Donald Trump’s second term appear to be a key driver of this rebound.
US steel industry surges on tariffs
America’s steel revival is a direct result of protectionist trade policies. In 2021, the US produced 85.8 million tonnes, trailing Japan by 10.5 million tonnes. By 2024, the gap had narrowed to 4.5 million tonnes, and in 2025 the US edged ahead. Now, with a 6.8 percent increase in the first five months of 2026, the US has firmly secured third place. South Korea also moved up to fifth, surpassing Russia, whose output dropped 10 percent. Vietnam, benefiting from the collapse of Iranian production after its conflict with the US, posted the strongest growth among the top ten at 26.8 percent.
India remains the world’s second-largest producer with 72.9 million tonnes, more than double the US output, but still far behind China. Asia and Oceania together produced 574.4 million tonnes, or nearly three-quarters of the global total, underscoring the region’s dominance.
Europe divided: Germany rises, EU declines
European steel production tells a mixed story. Germany, the largest EU producer, saw its output rise 8.8 percent to 15.7 million tonnes in January–May, regaining some ground after losing seventh place to Turkey. However, the European Union as a whole managed only 54.4 million tonnes, a decline of 1.5 percent. In May, EU output fell 0.4 percent to 11.4 million tonnes. The bloc’s overall weakness contrasts with strong growth in individual member states like Germany.
Turkey, now in seventh place, posted a 6.8 percent increase to 16.5 million tonnes, while Germany’s 8.8 percent growth was the second-highest among the top ten. European steelmakers face high energy costs, carbon border adjustments, and competition from imports, making the outlook uncertain.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. WNP.PL/PTWP
