Global production of direct reduced iron fell sharply in September 2026. The World Steel Association reports output of 9.41 million metric tons across 12 major producing countries. That is 15.7% lower than a year earlier & 5.1% below August. India made the most at 4.81 million metric tons, followed by Iran, Egypt, Russia & Mexico. Gas shortages, power rationing & conflict in the Middle East hurt production. Direct reduced iron is a key material for lower-carbon steelmaking, so the decline raises concerns about the pace of the industry's green transition.