Global crude steel output fell to 159.9 million metric tons in March 2026, down 4.2% from a year earlier. China, the world's largest producer, contracted 6.3%, while the Middle East plunged 33.5%. India bucked the trend, surging 9.4% to 15.3 million metric tons, reinforcing its position as the industry's most dynamic growth engine. Africa also posted an 11.6% gain, signalling accelerating industrialisation across the continent.