The 1671st issue of the bulletin "Branches of the Russian Economy: Manufacturing, Finance, Securities. Ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy" of the AK&M News Agency.
In March 2026, global steel production turned to growth, but is still lagging behind last year's level. According to the World Steel Association (WSA), 159.9 million tons of steel were smelted during the period, which is 4.2% lower than the same indicator in 2025, but 12.8% higher than the total of the previous month. Average daily smelting in March increased by 2.2% compared to February to 5.158 million tons, which was the highest level since April 2025. At the same time, China's share in the total smelting volume returned to 54%.
In January-March 2026, Russia reduced steel production by 10.7% compared to a year earlier to 15.8 million tons, retaining fifth place among metal—producing countries (according to the WSA). China reduced steel production by 4.6% to 247.6 million tons. In Japan, steel production decreased by 1.7% to 20.1 million tons. At the same time, India increased steel production by 10.8% to 44.7 million tons, Turkey — by 5.3% to 9.7 million tons, and Vietnam — by 10% to 6.4 million tons. In the USA, steel production increased by 5.7% to 21 million tons during this period. In South Korea, smelting increased by 1.8% to 15.8 million tons. Germany also increased smelting, by 9% to 9.3 million tons. Iran has lost tenth place in the ranking of steel producers, according to the WSA. According to the WSA, 5.4 million tons of steel were smelted in Russia in March, which is 11.4% less than a year earlier.
The index of production in the extraction of metal ores in Russia in March 2026 increased by 3.6% compared to March 2025, and by 1.3% for the entire first quarter. The production of iron ore concentrate in March amounted to 7.6 million tons (-4.1%). The production of lead concentrates decreased by 18.9% in March. Gold production in the first quarter increased by 1.3% compared to the same period in 2025. In general, in the first quarter of 2026, Russia reduced silver production by 22.8% compared to January-March last year.
The index of metallurgical production in Russia in March 2026 decreased by 8.4% compared to March 2025, and the indicator increased by 18.5% compared to the previous month. According to Rosstat, 5.2 million tons of steel of all types were smelted in Russia in March 2026, which is 14.8% lower than the result of March 2025. Pig iron production in March 2026 decreased by 9.2% compared to the same month in 2025, and the production of rolled ferrous metals decreased by 10.7%. Production of seamless pipes in March 2026 amounted to 37.3 thousand tons (-13.5% compared to March 2025), casing pipes — 110 thousand tons (-21.9%), including pumping and compressor pipes - 35.2 thousand tons (-13.5%).
The composite index of the Moscow ferrous metals market has again replaced the decline with growth. Thus, as of April 1, 2026, the index index was 796.69, compared with 792.36 on March 4, 2026. In general, for the whole of 2026, the index increased by 1.66 percentage points from 797.57 as of December 31, 2025. The average cost of a ton of hot—rolled sheet in the domestic market on May 5, 2026, was from 69,669 thousand rubles (+1.3% relative to the price of the previous month), and the average cost of a ton of cold-rolled sheet was 67,903 thousand rubles (unchanged). As of May 5, a ton of A3 rebar A3 rebar cost an average of 58.097 thousand rubles (+1.1%).
This and many other topics are covered in issue No. 1671 of the monthly bulletin "Branches of the Russian Economy: Manufacturing, Finance, Securities. Ferrous and Non-ferrous Metallurgy" by the AK&M News Agency dated May 6, 2026.
