Global stainless steel production in January–March of this year increased by 2.5% compared to the same period last year—rising to 15.774 million tons from 15.387 million tons. Production increased in the U.S., Asia, and China specifically, while it declined in Europe.
These figures are cited in a press release from The World Stainless Association (formerly the International Stainless Steel Forum, ISSF).
According to the information, stainless steel production in Europe decreased by 4.6% in the first quarter of 2026, to 1.468 million tons. In the U.S., production increased by 2.3%, to 566,000 tons.
In Asia, stainless steel production rose by 3.3% to 13.435 million tons, while in China it increased by 4.3% to 9.842 million tons.
In other regions (Brazil, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, and the UK), production increased by 6.7% to 305,000 tons.
As reported, global stainless steel production in 2025 increased by 2.1% compared to the previous year—to 64.157 million tons from 62.821 million tons. At the same time, stainless steel production in Europe in 2025 decreased by 1.9% to 5.659 million tons. In the U.S., production increased by 7.6% to 2.099 million tons. In Asia (excluding China and South Korea), stainless steel production last year rose by 2.7% to 55.313 million tons, while in China it increased by 3.6% to 40.868 million tons. In other regions (Brazil, Russia, South Africa, the UK, and Ukraine), production fell by 11.3% to 1.086 million tons.
Global stainless steel production in 2024 increased by 7% compared to 2023—to 62.621 million tons from 58.539 million tons, with production rising in all major regions. In 2023, production of this type of steel increased by 4.6% compared to 2022—to 58.444 million tons; in 2022, it decreased by 5.2% compared to 2021—to 55.255 million tons.
Earlier, the information and analytical center Experts Club released a video dedicated to global steel production and leading producing countries – https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VgUU9MEMosE
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