 |
| steel production |
Key Trends in Global Steel Production for June 2025
Global steel production reached 151.4 million tons in June 2025, marking a 5.8% decrease compared to June 2024. This decline reflects ongoing challenges in major steel-producing regions. Notably, the CIS countries including Ukraine saw an 8.8% year-on-year drop to 6.7 million tons. Meanwhile, production in Ukraine itself fell 2.3% year-on-year and sharply decreased 15.4% month-on-month. These figures highlight volatile market conditions amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
Regional and Country-Level Production Analysis
China, the largest steel producer, reduced output by 9.2% year-on-year to 83.2 million tons in June. In contrast, India’s production surged by 13.3%, reaching 13.6 million tons, driven by domestic infrastructure growth. The US and Japan reported mixed results; the US increased production by 4.6% while Japan declined 4.4%. Russia and Germany also faced significant downturns, with Russia down 7.4% and Germany sharply dropping 15.9%. These disparities underscore shifting demand and supply dynamics across global markets.
Mid-Year and Historical Production Context
In the first half of 2025, global steel production decreased by 2.2% year-on-year, totaling 934.3 million tons. The CIS and Ukraine regions experienced a 5.4% decline to 41.6 million tons. Despite last year’s modest 0.9% production drop to 1.839 billion tons, monthly fluctuations remain significant. Ukraine increased steel output by 21.6% in 2024 compared to 2023, yet June 2025 saw a decline, reflecting ongoing operational challenges. Therefore, the steel industry continues to face complex market pressures globally.
ScrapInsight Commentary
The global steel production decline in June 2025 signals continued pressure on supply amid geopolitical risks and uneven regional demand. Steel prices may experience volatility as major producers cut output, while rising production in India offers some counterbalance. Regulatory and economic policies will shape the recovery trajectory, emphasizing the need for flexible scrap sourcing strategies.
