The 1686th issue of the bulletin "Branches of the Russian Economy: Manufacturing, Finance, Securities. Ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy" of the AK&M News Agency.
In June 2026, global steel production increased slightly. According to the World Steel Association (WSA), 155.7 million tons of steel were smelted during the period, which is 1.7% higher than the same indicator in 2025, but 1.4% lower than the result of the previous month. The average daily smelting in June increased by 1.9% compared to May to 5.19 million tons. This result was the highest since April last year. At the same time, China's share in the total smelting volume remained at 54%.
In the first half of 2026, Russia reduced steel production by 8.4% compared to a year earlier, to 32.1 million tons, returning to fifth place among metal—producing countries (according to the WSA). China has reduced steel production by 3%, to 500 million tons. In Japan, steel production decreased by 0.4% to 40.4 million tons. At the same time, India increased steel production by 7.1% to 87 million tons, Turkey — by 8.1% to 19.8 million tons, and Vietnam — by 26.9% to 15.2 million tons. In the USA, steel production increased by 6.3% to 42.8 million tons during this period. In South Korea, smelting increased by 2.1% to 31.7 million tons. Germany also increased smelting, by 8.9%, to 18.6 million tons. According to the WSA, 5.6 million tons of steel were smelted in Russia in June, which is 3.4% less than a year earlier.
The index of production in the extraction of metal ores in Russia in June 2026 increased by 1.5% compared to June 2025, and by 2.6% in the first half of the year. Production of iron ore concentrate in June amounted to 7.5 million tons (-4.4%). The production of lead concentrates increased by 4.9% in June, and gold—bearing concentrates by 8.4%. Gold production in June increased by 3.6% compared to the same period in 2025. In June 2026, Russia increased silver production by 11% compared to June last year.
The index of metallurgical production in Russia in June 2026 decreased by 3.4% compared to June 2025, and increased by 5.2% compared to the previous month. According to Rosstat, in June 2026, 6 million tons of steel of all types were smelted in Russia, which is 5.3% higher than the result of June 2025. Pig iron production in June 2026 decreased by 2.6% compared to the same month in 2025, while the output of rolled ferrous metals increased by 0.4%. Production of seamless pipes in June 2026 amounted to 24.7 thousand tons (-12.8% compared to June 2025), casing pipes — 149 thousand tons (+6.6%), including pumping and compressor pipes - 43.6 thousand tons (+13.7%).
Read more about trends in metallurgy in issue No. 1686 of the monthly bulletin "Branches of the Russian Economy: Manufacturing, Finance, Securities. Ferrous and Non-ferrous Metallurgy" by the AK&M News Agency dated August 19, 2026.
