Global Crude Steel Output Rises 1.7% in June 2026 as Africa Records Strongest Growth

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Global crude steel production registered a modest increase in June 2026, supported by higher output across several key regions, according to the latest figures released by the World Steel Association (worldsteel).

The 70 reporting countries produced a combined 155.7 million tonnes (Mt) of crude steel during the month, higher by 1.7% year-on-year when compared with June 2025. These nations accounted for nearly 98% of the world's crude steel production in 2025.

Asia and Oceania remained the largest steel-producing region with 115.2 Mt, recording a jump of 1.5% year-on-year. The European Union (27) recorded production of 10.8 Mt, up 4.6%, while North America produced 9.5 Mt, posting a 5.0% increase. Steel output in Europe excluding the EU climbed 10.4% to 3.7 Mt.

Among all regions, Africa delivered the strongest growth, with production surging 20.0% year over year to 2.2 Mt.

In contrast, the Middle East saw the largest decline, with crude steel production falling 13.4% to 4.0 Mt. Output in Russia and other CIS countries plus Ukraine slipped 2.2% to 6.8 Mt, while South America reported a marginal 0.3% decline to 3.5 Mt.

For the first six months of 2026, total crude steel production reached 931.5 Mt, down by 0.7% compared with the corresponding period of 2025. The cumulative output by the African region saw a rise of 10% during the six-month period, while Russia & other CIS+ Ukraine recorded 8% dip in output during this period.