Global Stainless Steel Melt Shop Production Jumped in Jan-Sep ‘25

Stainless Steel | 2025-12-01 12:22:32

The largest producer during the third quarter and the initial nine-month period of the current year was China.

Global Stainless Steel Melt Shop Production Jumped in Jan-Sep ‘25

Summary

Global Output Growth: Stainless steel melt shop production reached 48.0 million tonnes in Jan–Sep 2025, up 3% from the same period in 2024; Q3 output rose 2.3% to 16.1 million tonnes.
China Leads Production: China remained the largest producer with 30.5 million tonnes for the first nine months, a 4.7% increase, and 10.3 million tonnes in Q3, up 3.9% year-on-year.
Regional Performance: Excluding China, Asia produced 10.8 million tonnes, while Europe totaled 4.5 million tonnes, reflecting moderate growth supported by demand in construction, automotive, and industrial sectors.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Global stainless steel melt shop production reached 48.0 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 3.0% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the latest World Stainless Steel Association data. Q3 output rose 2.3% year-on-year to 16.1 million tonnes, up from 15.7 million tonnes in Q3 2024.

China remained the largest stainless steel producer, with Q3 output at 10.3 million tonnes, a 3.9% rise from 9.9 million tonnes a year earlier. Cumulative production in China from January to September reached 30.5 million tonnes, up 4.7% from 29.1 million tonnes in the same period of 2024.

Stainless Steel Melt Shop Production Soared in Q1 2025

Excluding China, Asia produced 3.7 million tonnes in Q3, bringing its total for January–September 2025 to 10.8 million tonnes. Meanwhile, Europe’s production totaled 1.3 million tonnes in Q3 and 4.5 million tonnes over the first nine months of 2025.

The data reflects steady growth in the global stainless steel sector, driven largely by Chinese production, while output in other Asian countries and Europe shows moderate gains. Industry analysts note that sustained demand in construction, automotive, and industrial applications continues to support production increases across major regions.

POLL

Which factor is likely to have the biggest impact on global stainless steel production in the next year?

Demand from construction and infrastructure projects

Automotive and industrial sector demand

Changes in production policies or tariffs

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the total global stainless steel melt shop production for the first nine months of 2025?
Global production reached 48.0 million tonnes, marking a 3% increase compared to Jan–Sep 2024.
How did stainless steel production perform in Q3 2025?
Q3 production rose 2.3% year-on-year to 16.1 million tonnes, up from 15.7 million tonnes in Q3 2024.
Which country was the largest stainless steel producer?
China led global production with 30.5 million tonnes from January to September and 10.3 million tonnes in Q3 2025.