Global stainless steel output up 2.5% year-on-year in Q1 2026
2026-06-04 13:55:57 [Print]
Global stainless steel production edged up 2.5% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, totaling 15.8 million metric tonnes, according to the World Stainless Association.
Among the major producing regions, Asia produced 13.4 million tonnes between January and March, an increase of 3.3% compared to the same period in 2025. China accounted for 9.84 million tonnes of that total, representing a 4.3% annual rise. In contrast, the European Union saw output fall 4.6% year-on-year to 1.5 million tonnes. The United States produced 600,000 tonnes, up 2.3%.
For comparison, global stainless steel production grew 2.1% in full-year 2025 to 64.2 million tonnes, with China at 40.87 million tonnes.
Among the major producing regions, Asia produced 13.4 million tonnes between January and March, an increase of 3.3% compared to the same period in 2025. China accounted for 9.84 million tonnes of that total, representing a 4.3% annual rise. In contrast, the European Union saw output fall 4.6% year-on-year to 1.5 million tonnes. The United States produced 600,000 tonnes, up 2.3%.
For comparison, global stainless steel production grew 2.1% in full-year 2025 to 64.2 million tonnes, with China at 40.87 million tonnes.
