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| worldsteel |
Global Steel Output Falls 4.4%
World steel production for the 69 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) totaled 151.4 million tons in January 2025, marking a 4.4% decline compared to the same month in 2024.
China Leads Production Decline
The downturn was primarily driven by a sharp decline in Chinese steel production, which fell 5.6% to 81.9 million tons. Other Far East producers followed suit:
- Japan: Down 6.6% to 6.8 million tons
- South Korea: Down 8.8% to 5.2 million tons
U.S. and India Buck the Trend
While most major steel-producing nations experienced a drop in output, the United States defied the global trend, recording a 1.2% increase in production to 6.6 million tons. However, North American production as a whole dipped 0.5% to 9 million tons.
Meanwhile, India, the world’s second-largest steel producer, continued its upward trajectory, producing 13.6 million tons in January, an increase of 6.8%.
Outlook for 2025
The decline in global steel production reflects weak demand in key markets and economic headwinds in Asia. Analysts suggest that China’s economic slowdown, coupled with potential production curbs, may continue to impact global steel output in the coming months.
