Germany’s crude steel production continued its recovery trend in April 2026, posting another year-on-year increase despite ongoing weakness in overall industrial demand.
According to the latest figures released by the German Steel Federation (WV Stahl), crude steel output reached 3.2 million tonnes in April, up 9.5% compared with the same month last year. Over the first four months of 2026, total production increased by 9.1% year on year.
Stronger growth in oxygen steel production
The strongest gains were recorded in oxygen steel production, which rose by 10.7% in April. Electric steel production also continued to recover, increasing by 7.1% year on year to 1.013 million tonnes.
The latest figures point to a gradual stabilisation of steel production in Germany after historically weak output levels in recent years. However, industry representatives caution that the sector remains far from a full recovery.
Production still below sustainable capacity levels
Despite the recent improvements, annualised production currently stands at around 37.5 million tonnes — still below the 40 million tonne threshold regarded by the industry as the minimum level for sustainable capacity utilisation.
Germany’s steel sector has continued to face pressure from weak demand in key customer industries, high energy costs and persistent import pressure linked to global overcapacity.
Recent market data from WV Stahl also indicated that the stabilisation of steel supply chains has so far been driven more by inventory effects than by a broad-based recovery in underlying demand.
