Global steel production declined slightly in July 2026. According to the World Steel Association (WSA), 149.2 million tons of steel were smelted during the period, which is 0.3% lower than the same indicator in 2025 and 4.2% lower than the result of the previous month. At the same time, the average daily smelting, which amounted to 4.813 million tons in July, decreased by 7.3% compared to June. This indicator has become the lowest since the beginning of this year. At the same time, China's share in the total smelting volume decreased to 53%. This is stated in issue No. 1691 of the bulletin "Branches of the Russian Economy: manufacturing, finance, securities. Ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy" of the AK&M News Agency.
In the first half of 2026, Russia reduced steel production by 6.1% compared to a year earlier, to 38.1 million tons, retaining fifth place among metal—producing countries (according to the WSA). China reduced steel production by 3.1% to 577 million tons. In Japan, steel production decreased by 0.3% to 47.3 million tons. At the same time, India increased steel production by 6.1% to 101.1 million tons, Turkey — by 7.9% to 23.2 million tons, and Vietnam — by 28% to 17.9 million tons. In the USA, steel production increased by 6% to 50.2 million tons during this period. In South Korea, smelting increased by 2.7% to 37.4 million tons. Germany also increased smelting, by 8.1%, to 21.4 million tons. According to the WSA, 5.7 million tons of steel were smelted in Russia in July, which is 3.3% more than a year earlier.
The index of production in the extraction of metal ores in Russia in July 2026 increased by 9.7% compared to July 2025, in January-July — by 3.2%. The production of iron ore concentrate in July amounted to 7.1 million tons (-5.3%). Production of lead concentrates decreased by 9.3% in July, while production of gold—bearing concentrates increased by 13.8%. Gold production in July increased by 3.2% compared to the same period in 2025. In July 2026, Russia reduced silver production by 4.1% compared to July last year.
The index of metallurgical production in Russia in July 2026 increased by 11.4% compared to July 2025, and by 9.9% compared to the previous month. According to Rosstat, in July 2026, 5.8 million tons of steel of all types were smelted in Russia, which is 5.5% higher than the result of July 2025. Pig iron production in July 2026 decreased by 2.2% compared to the same month in 2025, while the output of rolled ferrous metals increased by 3.3%. Production of seamless pipes in July 2026 amounted to 24.9 thousand tons (+27.1% compared to July 2025), casing pipes — 130 thousand tons (+0.6%), including pumping and compressor pipes - 42.9 thousand tons (+26.9%).
For more information about trends in metallurgy, see issue No. 1691 of the monthly bulletin "Branches of the Russian Economy: Manufacturing, Finance, Securities. Ferrous and Non-ferrous Metallurgy" by the AK&M News Agency dated September 23, 2026.
