Global Crude Steel Production June 2025: Downward Trend and Influencing Factors

According to the latest report from the World Steel Association (worldsteel), global crude steel production in June 2025 recorded a significant decline, reflecting challenges and adjustments within the steel industry. The data indicates a downward trend compared to previous months this year and compared to the same period last year, with China being a major contributor to this decline.

June 2025 Production Overview

In June 2025, estimated global crude steel production reached 151.4 million tonnes. This figure represents a decrease of 5% compared to May 2025 and a 6% decrease compared to June 2024. This marks the lowest daily production level in 2025, averaging approximately 5.05 million tonnes/day, a 1% decrease from the previous month.

Compared to the nearly two-year high of 166.5 million tonnes in March 2025, June's production fell by 9%. If this production level is maintained throughout the year, total global crude steel production for 2025 would reach approximately 1.84 billion tonnes.

Production Developments by Region and Country

China, the world's largest steel producer and consumer, experienced a significant drop in production. Specifically, China's crude steel output in June 2025 was 83.2 million tonnes, a 9.2% decrease year-on-year. This decline in China largely contributed to the overall downward trend in global steel production.

Data from previous months in 2025 also shows fluctuations:

• March 2025: Global production reached 166.1 million tonnes, an increase of 2.9% year-on-year.
• April 2025: Global production was 155.7 million tonnes, a decrease of 0.3% year-on-year.

The 12-month average from July 2024 to June 2025 was 151.7 million tonnes/month, down 2% year-on-year. This indicates that global steel production has remained stable, fluctuating within the 152-154 million tonnes/month range for the past few years, comparable to the pre-pandemic period.

Other Factors and Steel Industry Outlook

The worldsteel report also provides insights into other aspects of the steel industry. For instance, the energy consumption of the steel industry in 2023 was 21.27 GJ/tonne of crude steel. Additionally, the industry invested approximately 7.25% of its revenue into new technologies, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and efficiency improvements.

The decline in production in June 2025 could reflect various factors, including slowing market demand, production cut policies in some countries (especially China, aimed at controlling pollution and overcapacity), as well as global macroeconomic uncertainties. Despite the short-term adjustments, the steel industry continues to adapt and invest in more sustainable technologies.

Information compiled and updated as of July 24, 2025, based on the World Steel Association's June 2025 crude steel production report.