World steel production declined in July

The total volume of raw steel produced by mills around the globe eased for the second month in a row in July to an estimated 149.2 million metric tons (mt), according to the latest World Steel Association (worldsteel) figures. July output was 4% below the previous month and less than 1% below the same month of 2025. Global production remains weak compared to the strong summers of 2021-2024.

Annual production has averaged 149.4 million mt per month over the past year (Figure 1). Just two months prior, this 12-month moving average (12MMA) rate fell to a seven-year low of 149.2 million mt. Prior to mid-2025, 12MMA 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.