Global Gyrations in Gross OutputAccording to the latest data from the World Steel Association, total crude steel production across 70 countries reached 158.8 million metric tons in May 2025, a decline of 3.8 % from May 2024. These countries account for around 98 % of the world's steel production. From January to May 2025, cumulative output stood at 784.0 million metric tons, which is 1.3 % lower than the same period in 2024.

Continental Crescendo: Africa, Americas & Middle East RiseAfrica posted a strong 5.5 % increase in May production at 1.9 million metric tons, while the Middle East produced 5.4 million metric tons, up 5.3 %. South America also saw growth, rising 4.2 % to 3.4 million metric tons. North America reported a 3.4 % rise to 9.5 million metric tons, with consistent gains from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These trends signify a modest realignment in regional steel momentum.

Asian Attrition Amid Production PressuresAsia and Oceania, despite being the global epicentre of steelmaking, saw a steep fall of 4.7 % in May 2025 to 116.6 million metric tons. The decline is largely attributed to China’s dip, along with setbacks in Japan and South Korea. From January to May, the region’s output totalled 580.7 million metric tons, a 1.0 % decline from the previous year.

European Erosion: Decline in Output Across the ContinentThe European Union produced 11.4 million metric tons in May, down 3.1 %, while non-EU European nations reported an even sharper fall of 8.8 % to 3.6 million metric tons. Countries such as Germany, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and Serbia contributed to this regional slump. From January to May, EU output dropped by 2.5 %, and other European nations saw a 6.7 % drop.

CIS Compression & Ukraine’s UnderperformanceRussia and other CIS countries, along with Ukraine, registered a May output of 7.0 million metric tons, down 8.1 %. For the first five months of 2025, the region produced 34.8 million metric tons, which was 4.7 % less than the same period last year. The region’s decline aligns with continuing industrial and geopolitical uncertainties.

Top 10 Titans of the Metallurgical MapAmong the top 10 steel-producing countries, China remained dominant but saw a sharp 6.9 % decrease in May output to 86.6 million metric tons. India produced 13.5 million metric tons, an increase of 9.7 %, the highest among major producers. Japan followed with 6.8 million metric tons, down 4.7 %. The United States made 7.0 million metric tons, up 1.7 %, while Russia fell to 5.8 million metric tons, also down 6.9 %.South Korea produced 5.1 million metric tons, a 1.7 % decline. Türkiye registered 3.1 million metric tons, down 2.8 %, and Germany, the largest EU producer, declined 6.4 % to 3.0 million metric tons. Iran and Brazil were the only two other countries in the top ten that posted increases, with Iran at 3.4 million metric tons (up 4.5 %) and Brazil at 2.7 million metric tons (up 5.0 %).

Cumulative Champions & Year-To-Date YardsticksLooking at the year-to-date figures from January to May 2025, China produced 431.6 million metric tons (down 1.7 %), followed by India at 67.2 million metric tons (up 8.2 %). Japan reported 33.8 million metric tons (down 5.2 %), the United States produced 33.4 million metric tons (up 0.3 %), and Russia registered 29.2 million metric tons (down 5.2 %). South Korea reported 25.6 million metric tons (down 3.0 %), Türkiye recorded 15.4 million metric tons (down 1.4 %), Germany produced 14.4 million metric tons (down 10.8 %), Iran produced 14.0 million metric tons (down 5.3 %), and Brazil reached 13.7 million metric tons (up 0.7 %).

Institutional Integrity: Insights from WorldsteelThe World Steel Association, representing around 85 % of global steel production, offers authoritative and widely accepted statistical data. Its May 2025 report forms a vital snapshot of an industry in flux, with both traditional powerhouses and emerging players adjusting to economic, environmental, and geopolitical forces.

Key Takeaways:

• May 2025 global crude steel output declined 3.8 % to 158.8 million metric tons, with Asia and Europe seeing the sharpest reductions.

• India’s 9.7 % surge to 13.5 million metric tons placed it as the second-largest producer behind China, which dropped 6.9 % to 86.6 million metric tons.

• Brazil and Iran joined India among top 10 countries showing production increases, while Germany had the largest year-on-year decline at 6.4 %.