Global crude steel output fell a slim zero point three percent in May twenty twenty-six, reaching one hundred fifty-seven point nine million metric tons across seventy nations. North America jumped fifteen point six percent while Viet Nam surged twenty-seven point two percent year-on-year. China, the world's largest producer, contracted two point seven percent. India's year-to-date growth of seven point eight percent makes it the industry's most resilient major producer in the first five months of twenty twenty-six.