May 2022 crude steel production

22 June 2022 Brussels, Belgium

World crude steel production for the 64 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 169.5 million tonnes (Mt) in May 2022, a 3.5% decrease compared to May 2021.

Crude steel production by region

Africa produced 1.1 Mt in May 2022, down 18.9% on May 2021. Asia and Oceania produced 126.8 Mt, down 1.7%. The EU (27) produced 12.9 Mt, down 6.8%. Europe, Other produced 4.1 Mt, down 1.7%. The Middle East produced 3.5 Mt, down 10.0%. North America produced 9.9 Mt, down 4.0%. Russia & other CIS + Ukraine produced 7.4 Mt, down 19.1%. South America produced 3.8 Mt, down 2.8%.

Table 1. Crude steel production by region
May 2022 (Mt)% change May 22/21Jan-May
2022 (Mt)
% change Jan-May 22/21
Africa1.1-18.96.1-7.0
Asia and Oceania126.8-1.7582.0-6.5
EU (27)12.9-6.862.3-4.3
Europe, Other4.1-1.720.2-3.5
Middle East3.5-10.017.0-6.1
North America9.9-4.047.5-2.3
Russia & other CIS + Ukraine7.4-19.138.4-13.1
South America3.8-2.818.1-2.4
Total 64 countries169.5-3.5791.8-6.3

The 64 countries included in this table accounted for approximately 98% of total world crude steel production in 2021. Regions and countries covered by the table:

  • Africa: Egypt, Libya, South Africa
  • Asia and Oceania: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan (China), Vietnam
  • European Union (27)
  • Europe, Other: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Turkey, United Kingdom
  • Middle East: Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
  • North America: Canada, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, United States
  • Russia & other CIS + Ukraine: Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
  • South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

Top 10 steel-producing countries

China produced 96.6 Mt in May 2022, down 3.5% on May 2021. India produced 10.6 Mt, up 17.3%. Japan produced 8.1 Mt, down 4.2%. The United States produced 7.2 Mt, down 2.6%. Russia is estimated to have produced 6.4 Mt, down 1.4%. South Korea produced 5.8 Mt, down 1.4%. Germany produced 3.2 Mt, down 11.5%. Turkey produced 3.2 Mt, down 1.4%. Brazil produced 3.0 Mt, down 4.9%. Iran is estimated to have produced 2.3 Mt, down 17.6%.

Table 2. Top 10 steel-producing countries
May 2022 (Mt)% change May 22/21Jan-May 2022 (Mt)% change Jan-May 22/21
China96.6-3.5435.0-8.7
India10.617.353.26.5
Japan8.1-4.238.5-3.5
United States7.2-2.634.3-1.6
Russia6.4e-1.431.0-2.3
South Korea5.8-1.428.2-3.4
Germany3.2-11.516.4-4.8
Turkey3.2-1.416.0-2.8
Brazil3.0-4.914.5-2.2
Iran2.3e-17.611.4-10.8

e – estimated. Ranking of top 10 producing countries is based on year-to-date aggregate

  • The World Steel Association (worldsteel) is one of the largest and most dynamic industry associations in the world, with members in every major steel-producing country. worldsteel represents steel producers, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes. Members represent around 85% of global steel production.
  • A subscription with access to the iron and crude steel production for the 64 countries reporting to worldsteel on a monthly basis is available for €1,075 via the worldsteel bookshop. This subscription includes access to 20 years of data in the Steel Statistical Yearbooks. Please contact subscribers@worldsteel.org with any questions.
  • Information on capacity can be found on the OECD website.
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