Global crude steel output falls 2.2% YoY in Jan-Feb

Crude steel output across the 69 countries tracked by the World Steel Association (WSA) declined by 2.2% on year in the first two months of 2025, totalling 302 million tonnes, according to the association's new report released on March 25.

During February, these countries collectively produced 144.7 million tonnes of crude steel, lower by 3.4% on year, according to WSA. Last month's output was also down 8% from January, Mysteel Global calculated. 

China – the world's largest steelmaking country – posted a 1.5% drop on year in its crude steel output over January-February, to reach 166.3 million tonnes. For February alone, WSA predicted the country's crude steel output would total 78.9 million tonnes, a 3.3% on-year fall. 

China's National Bureau of Statistics only published aggregated production data for the January-February period as the Chinese New Year holiday usually falls into either of the two months, Mysteel Global notes. 

India remains the world's second-largest steel-producing country, according to WSA. The official statistics show that only India among the top ten steelmaking countries globally posted on-year gains in crude steel output for both February alone and for January-February, up 6.3% and 6.8% respectively at 12.7 million tonnes and 26.4 million tonnes. 

Aside from China, other major steel-producing countries - including Japan, the United States, Russia, Türkiye, Germany, and Iran - also experienced declines in crude steel output in both February and during the first two months of the year, the WSA report highlighted. 

Particularly, Germany and Iran recorded double-digit on-year falls in steel output for both February and this year's first two months, according to WSA. Market analysts attributed Germany's sharp decline to sluggish demand, high energy costs and competitive imports, while Iran's steep output contraction primarily reflected increased market competition, weaker demand and energy shortages. 

Source:Mysteel Global