21 June 2023 Brussels, Belgium

World crude steel production for the 63 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 161.6 million tonnes (Mt) in May 2023, a 5.1% decrease compared to May 2022.

Crude steel production by region

Africa produced 1.3 Mt in May 2023, up 18.6% on May 2022. Asia and Oceania produced 119.5 Mt, down 6.0%. The EU (27) produced 11.6 Mt, down 11.2%. Europe, Other produced 3.7 Mt, down 7.7%. The Middle East produced 4.4 Mt, up 4.3%. North America produced 9.6 Mt, down 3.7%. Russia & other CIS + Ukraine produced 7.9 Mt, up 11.5%. South America produced 3.6 Mt, down 5.2%.

 

Table 1. Crude steel production by region

May 2023 (Mt) % change May 23/22 Jan-May
2023 (Mt)
% change Jan-May 23/22
Africa 1.3 18.6 6.3 2.6
Asia and Oceania 119.5 -6.0 588.4 0.7
EU (27) 11.6 -11.2 56.0 -10.4
Europe, Other 3.7 -7.7 16.6 -16.3
Middle East 4.4 4.3 18.7 1.1
North America 9.6 -3.7 45.9 -3.6
Russia & other CIS + Ukraine 7.9 11.5 36.9 -3.8
South America 3.6 -5.2 17.1 -5.9
Total 63 countries 161.6 -5.1 786.0 -1.2

The 63 countries included in this table accounted for approximately 97% of total world crude steel production in 2022. Regions and countries covered by the table:

  • Africa: Egypt, Libya, South Africa, Tunisia
  • Asia and Oceania: Australia, China, India, Japan, Mongolia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan (China), Thailand, Viet Nam
  • European Union (27)
  • Europe, Other: Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Türkiye, United Kingdom
  • Middle East: Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
  • North America: Canada, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, United States
  • Russia & other CIS + Ukraine: Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine
  • South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

 

Top 10 steel-producing countries

China produced 90.1 Mt in May 2023, down 7.3% on May 2022. India produced 11.2 Mt, up 4.1%. Japan produced 7.6 Mt, down 5.2%. The United States produced 6.9 Mt, down 2.3%. Russia is estimated to have produced 6.8 Mt, up 8.8%. South Korea produced 5.8 Mt, down 0.1%. Germany produced 3.2 Mt, up 0.2%. Brazil produced 2.8 Mt, down 5.5%. Türkiye produced 2.9 Mt, down 10.4%. Iran produced 3.3 Mt, up 8.8%.

 

Table 2. Top 10 steel-producing countries

May 2023 (Mt)   % change May 23/22 Jan-May 2023 (Mt) % change Jan-May 23/22
China 90.1 -7.3 444.6 1.6
India 11.2 4.1 56.4 5.7
Japan 7.6 -5.2 36.5 -5.3
United States 6.9 -2.3 33.1 -3.4
Russia 6.8 e 8.8 32.1 1.9
South Korea 5.8 -0.1 28.1 -0.4
Germany 3.2 0.2 15.6 -4.7
Brazil 2.8 -5.5 13.4 -8.1
Türkiye 2.9 -10.4 13.0 -19.1
Iran 3.3 8.8 13.0 2.2

e – estimated. Ranking of top 10 producing countries is based on year-to-date aggregate

 

Notes to Editors:

  • The World Steel Association (worldsteel) is one of the largest and most dynamic industry associations in the world, with members in every major steel-producing country. worldsteel represents steel producers, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes. Members represent around 85% of global steel production.
  • A subscription with access to the iron and crude steel production for the 63 countries reporting to worldsteel on a monthly basis is available for €1,285 via the worldsteel bookshop. This subscription includes access to 20 years of data in the Steel Statistical Yearbooks. Please contact subscribers@worldsteel.org with any questions.
  • Information on capacity can be found on the OECD website.
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