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    May 22, 2026

    Global steel production eases 4% in April

    Written by Brett Linton

    Following a one-year high in March, the total volume of raw steel produced around the globe slipped 4% in April to an estimated 153.4 million metric tons (mt), according to the World Steel Association (worldsteel). April production was roughly 5 million tons above last year’s average monthly rate, but weak compared with previous years.

    On a 12-month moving average (12MMA) basis, annual production has averaged 148.9 million mt per month across the past year. This is the lowest rate recorded since November 2018, down 3% from the same period one year prior (Figure 1). Before last September, annual output had generally hovered between 152 million mt and 154 million mt for over 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.

    Read more from Brett Linton

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