Global steel production continued to decline in May 2026. 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. This is stated in issue No. 1681 of the bulletin "Branches of the Russian Economy: manufacturing, finance, securities. Ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy" of the AK&M News Agency.
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, and 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.
