Global crude steel production rose 1.7 per cent year-on-year to 155.7 million tonnes (mt) in June 2026, driven by higher output in major producing regions, even as first-half production remained marginally lower than a year ago, according to the World Steel Association (worldsteel).The 70 countries reporting to worldsteel, which account for about 98 per cent of global crude steel production, produced 155.7 mt during the month compared with June 2025. However, cumulative output for January-June stood at 931.5 mt, down 0.7 per cent from the corresponding period last year.Asia and Oceania, the world’s largest steel-producing region, recorded output of 115.2 mt in June, up 1.5 per cent year-on-year. Production in the European Union increased 4.6 per cent to 10.8 mt, while North America posted a 5 per cent rise to 9.5 mt. Africa reported the sharpest regional growth at 20 per cent to 2.2 mt. In contrast, production declined in the Middle East by 13.4 per cent to 4 mt, Russia and other CIS countries plus Ukraine by 2.2 per cent to 6.8 mt, and South America by 0.3 per cent to 3.5 mt.China’s output recoversChina, the world’s largest steel producer, increased output by 0.4 per cent to 83.7 mt in June, though its first-half production was down 3 per cent at 500 mt. India retained its position as the second-largest producer, with crude steel output rising 4.5 per cent year-on-year to 14.1 mt in June. India’s production during January-June climbed 7.1 per cent to 87 mt, the fastest growth among the top five steel-producing nations.Among other major producers, the United States, Japan, Germany and Türkiye recorded year-on-year increases in June output, while Russia and South Korea posted declines. Vietnam emerged as the fastest-growing producer among the top 10, with production surging 27.5 per cent during the month.Published on July 24, 2026