Global steel production stable through June

The total volume of raw steel produced by mills around the globe eased 2% in June to an estimated 155.7 million metric tons (mt), according to the latest figures published by the World Steel Association (worldsteel). June output was marginally above the average monthly production rate of 2026 to date, and 2% higher than the same month of last year. Production remains weak compared to the strong summers of 2021-24.

On a 12-month moving average (12MMA) basis, annual production has averaged 149.4 million mt per month across the past year (Figure 1). Just one month prior, this rate fell to a seven-year low of 149.2 million mt. Prior to the past year, annualized output had generally hovered between 152-154 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.