Germany's crude steel output rises in H1
2026-07-22 11:44:43 [Print]
Germany's crude steel production increased by 9.5% year-on-year to 2.93 million tonnes in June, according to data released by the German Steel Federation (WV Stahl). In the first half of 2026, total crude steel output rose by 8.9% year-on-year to 18.63 million tonnes.
Pig iron production reached 1.73 million tonnes in June, up 6.3% year-on-year, while the January-to-June cumulative figure grew by 9.3% to 11.63 million tonnes. Meanwhile, hot-rolled steel output climbed 8% year-on-year to 2.69 million tonnes in June and increased by 5.4% over the first six months to 16.11 million tonnes.
Despite the positive momentum observed in recent months, WV Stahl cautioned that it remains premature to declare a full recovery. The federation noted that annualised crude steel production currently stands at 37.7 million tonnes, still below the 40-million-tonne threshold generally deemed necessary for adequate capacity utilisation across the industry. It further warned that the recent uptick does not yet signal a sustainable turnaround, with full-year output projected to reach only around 37 million tonnes---well below the level required for economically viable capacity utilisation. The federation emphasised that stronger domestic demand and more competitive energy prices are essential to support a durable recovery.
Pig iron production reached 1.73 million tonnes in June, up 6.3% year-on-year, while the January-to-June cumulative figure grew by 9.3% to 11.63 million tonnes. Meanwhile, hot-rolled steel output climbed 8% year-on-year to 2.69 million tonnes in June and increased by 5.4% over the first six months to 16.11 million tonnes.
Despite the positive momentum observed in recent months, WV Stahl cautioned that it remains premature to declare a full recovery. The federation noted that annualised crude steel production currently stands at 37.7 million tonnes, still below the 40-million-tonne threshold generally deemed necessary for adequate capacity utilisation across the industry. It further warned that the recent uptick does not yet signal a sustainable turnaround, with full-year output projected to reach only around 37 million tonnes---well below the level required for economically viable capacity utilisation. The federation emphasised that stronger domestic demand and more competitive energy prices are essential to support a durable recovery.
