In February 2026, global steel production continued to decline. According to the World Steel Association (WSA), 141.8 million tons of steel were smelted during the period, which is 2.2% lower than the same indicator in 2025 and 3.7% lower than the result of the previous month. The average daily smelting in February increased by 3% compared to January to 5,064 million tons, the highest figure since May last year. At the same time, China's share in the total smelting volume returned to 54%.
This is stated in issue No. 1666 of the monthly bulletin "Branches of the Russian Economy: manufacturing, finance, securities. Ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy" of the AK&M News Agency.
In January-February 2026, Russia reduced steel production by 9% compared to a year earlier, to 10.5 million tons, retaining fifth place among metal—producing countries (according to the WSA). China reduced steel production by 3.6% to 160.3 million tons. In Japan, steel production has not changed, remaining at the level of 13.1 million tons. At the same time, India increased steel production by 9.7% to 28.9 million tons, Turkey — by 4.7% to 6.4 million tons, and Iran — by 7.6% to 4.3 million tons. In the USA, steel production increased by 4.9% to 13.7 million tons during this period. In South Korea, smelting increased by 2.5% to 10.4 million tons. Germany also increased smelting, by 9.9% to 5.9 million tons. In February, according to the WSA, 5 million tons of steel were smelted in Russia, which is 9% less than a year earlier.
The index of production in the extraction of metal ores in Russia in January 2026 increased by 0.5% compared to January 2025. Iron ore concentrate production in January amounted to 7.5 million tons (-5.3%). The production of lead concentrates decreased by 11.2% in January. Gold production in January 2026 increased by 36% compared to the same period in 2025. In general, in January 2026, Russia reduced silver production by 40.6% compared to January 2025.
The index of metallurgical production in Russia in January 2026 decreased by 6.6% compared to January 2025, and by 39.7% compared to the previous month. According to Rosstat, 5.4 million tons of steel of all types were smelted in Russia in January 2026, which is 8.5% lower than the result of January 2025. Pig iron production in January 2026 decreased by 0.3% compared to the same month in 2025, and the output of rolled ferrous metals decreased by 9.1%. Production of seamless pipes in January 2026 amounted to 27.7 thousand tons (-36.6% compared to January 2025), casing pipes — 104 thousand tons (-32.4%), including pumping and compressor pipes - 29.8 thousand tons (-32.2%).
Read more about this in issue No. 1666 of the monthly bulletin "Branches of the Russian Economy: Manufacturing, Finance, Securities. Ferrous and Non-ferrous Metallurgy" by the AK&M News Agency dated April 01, 2026.
