Global stainless steel production rises 5% in first half of 2026 to almost 33 million t

Global stainless steel melt shop production increased by 5% year on year to almost 33 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, according to figures released by the world stainless association.

The increase was driven primarily by Asia, while production in the European Union declined.

China drives Asian growth

Asian stainless steel production reached 28.3 million tonnes in the first six months, up 6.1% from 26.7 million tonnes a year earlier. China alone accounted for 21.1 million tonnes, representing year-on-year growth of 7.1%.

The picture was considerably weaker in the European Union, where output fell 3.7% to 2.91 million tonnes from 3.02 million tonnes in the first half of 2025.

US production increased by 3.2% to 1.15 million tonnes, while the group comprising Brazil, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine and the United Kingdom recorded growth of 2.9% to 597,000 tonnes.

Growth accelerated during the second quarter. Global melt shop production reached 17.24 million tonnes, up 7.6% compared with Q2 2025. Chinese output increased particularly strongly, rising 9.7% year on year to 11.22 million tonnes.

Source and Graphic: Worldstainless