Global crude steel production declined slightly in the first half of 2026. India recorded strong growth in recycled steel use, while China and the EU-27 reported declines, according to the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR).
Global crude steel production reached 931.5 million tonnes in January–June 2026, down 0.7% year on year. Data from the World Steel Association (worldsteel), covering 70 countries, showed mixed regional performance.
Africa recorded the strongest regional growth, with production rising 10% to 12.6 million tonnes. North America increased output by 5.7% to 56.5 million tonnes. Other Europe reported growth of 5.6% to 22.1 million tonnes.
Meanwhile, Asia/Oceania remained the largest producing region, despite a 0.9% decline to 690.1 million tonnes. The Middle East fell 7.3% to 25.9 million tonnes, while Russia and other CIS countries, plus Ukraine, recorded an 8% decline to 38.6 million tonnes.
Direct Reduced Iron Production Declines
Global direct reduced iron (DRI) production fell 1% to 61.8 million tonnes among the 12 reporting countries. India remained the largest producer, with output increasing 6% to 31 million tonnes.
Mexico and Argentina also recorded growth of 19.9% and 21.8%, respectively. In contrast, Iran’s production declined 13.2% to 13.976 million tonnes.
India Leads Growth in Recycled Steel Use
Recycled steel consumption across key countries and regions fell 0.7% to 234.1 million tonnes. China remained the largest consumer, but its usage dropped 7.1% to 101.32 million tonnes.
India recorded the strongest growth among markets with available consumption data. Its recycled steel use increased 17% to 22.5 million tonnes. Crude steel production also rose 7.1% to 87 million tonnes.
The United States recorded a 9.3% increase in recycled steel consumption to 29.4 million tonnes. Turkey’s consumption rose 4.8% to 16.8 million tonnes, while Japan and South Korea also reported gains.
Turkey had the highest recycled steel share among the listed markets. Recycled steel accounted for 84.9% of its crude steel production during the first half of 2026. The corresponding shares were 68.7% in the United States, 58.3% in the EU-27 and 25.9% in India.
Turkey Leads Imports as EU-27 Tops Exports
Turkey remained the world’s largest recycled steel importer. Its imports increased 3.1% to 9.696 million tonnes. The EU-27 ranked second, with imports rising 8.4% to 2.69 million tonnes.
The EU-27 also retained its position as the leading recycled steel exporter. Its overseas shipments increased 4.5% to 8.52 million tonnes. The United States ranked second, with exports rising 2.1% to 6.124 million tonnes.
The United Kingdom recorded an 8% increase in exports to 3.374 million tonnes. Canada’s shipments rose 31.7% to 2.513 million tonnes, while Japan’s exports declined 7.4% to 3.535 million tonnes.
Africa Records Higher Steel Production
Africa’s crude steel production reached 12.6 million tonnes in the first half of 2026. Egypt remained the continent’s largest producer, with output increasing 13.6% to 5.7 million tonnes.
Egypt also led Africa’s recycled steel imports. Its import volumes surged 98.6% to 2.1 million tonnes. South Africa remained the continent’s largest recycled steel exporter, shipping 0.11 million tonnes, down 33.5% year on year.
The findings form part of the January–June 2026 update of BIR’s 17th edition of World Steel Recycling in Figures, reviewed by BIR Ferrous Statistics Advisor Rolf Willeke. The report also includes additional data on Africa’s steel production and recycling activity.
