Global steel production declined through August

Crude steel output from mills around the world declined for the third month in a row in August, slipping 3% from July to an estimated 145.3 million metric tons (mt), according to recent figures released by the World Steel Association (worldsteel). August marked the second-lowest monthly production rate this year, down 13% from the two-year high of 166.6 million mt in March.

On a 12-month moving average (12MMA) basis, annual production has averaged 151.6 million mt per month across the last twelve months, down 1% from the same period one year prior (Figure 1). Annual output has generally remained in the 152-154 million mt range over the past three years, similar to pre-pandemic levels.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a digital operations analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.