Global direct reduced iron production declined 7.6% year-on-year in June 2026 to 10.01 million metric tons. India remained the largest producer with 4.98 million metric tons, followed by Iran, Russia, and Mexico. The first-half total of 61.82 million metric tons marked a 1% decrease. Production declines occurred despite a 1.7% rise in global crude steel output during the same period.