worldsteel has cut its global steel demand forecast for 2026 to flat at 1,722 million metric tons. In April it had expected 0.3% growth. The association blames a 2% contraction in China, where property & infrastructure spending keep falling. Demand outside China is growing 1.5% this year & should reach 4% in 2027. India leads the way, expanding 7.9% to 172.4 million metric tons. Gulf demand drops 11% because of Middle East conflict. Global demand should rise 1.7% in 2027 to 1,752 million metric tons.