The 1681st issue of the bulletin "Branches of the Russian Economy: Production, Finance, Securities. Ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy" of the AK&M News Agency.
In May 2026, global steel production continued to decline. According to the World Steel Association (WSA), 157.9 million tons of steel were smelted during the period, which is 0.3% lower than the same indicator in 2025, but 2.9% higher than the result of the previous month. The average daily smelting decreased by 0.4% compared to April, to 5,095 million tons. At the same time, China's share in the total smelting volume remained at 54%.
In January-May 2026, Russia reduced steel production by 10% compared to a year earlier, to 26.4 million tons, dropping to sixth place among metal—producing countries (according to the WSA). China reduced steel production by 3.9% to 415.5 million tons. In Japan, steel production decreased by 0.7% to 33.6 million tons. At the same time, India increased steel production by 7.8% to 72.9 million tons, Turkey — by 6.8% to 16.5 million tons, Vietnam — by 26.8% to 12.6 million tons. In the USA, steel production increased by 6.8% to 35.6 million tons during this period. In South Korea, smelting increased by 2.7% to 26.4 million tons. Germany also increased smelting, by 8.8%, to 15.7 million tons. According to the WSA, 5.6 million tons of steel were smelted in Russia in May, which is 5.4% less than a year earlier.
The index of production in the extraction of metal ores in Russia in May 2026 increased by 4.2% compared to May 2025, and in January-May — by 2.9%. Production of iron ore concentrate in May amounted to 7.9 million tons (-3%). The production of lead concentrates increased by 8.5% in May, and gold—bearing concentrates - by 6.1%. Gold production in May increased by 17.1% compared to the same period in 2025. In May 2026, Russia reduced silver production by 22.8% compared to April last year.
The index of metallurgical production in Russia in May 2026 decreased by 12.8% compared to May 2025, and increased by 8.6% compared to the previous month. According to Rosstat, in May 2026, 5.7 million tons of steel of all types were smelted in Russia, which is 3.4% lower than the result of May 2025. Pig iron production in May 2026 decreased by 5.9% compared to the same month in 2025, and the output of rolled ferrous metals decreased by 3.5%. Production of seamless pipes in May 2026 amounted to 22.9 thousand tons (-19.6% compared to May 2025), casing pipes — 128 thousand tons (-18.3%), including pumping and compressor pipes - 35.6 thousand tons (-11.3%).
Read more about trends in metallurgy in issue No. 1681 of the monthly bulletin "Branches of the Russian Economy: Manufacturing, Finance, Securities. Ferrous and Non-ferrous Metallurgy" by the AK&M News Agency dated July 15, 2026.
