Global stainless steel production reached 15.54 mln tons in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 6.2pct YoY increase, according to the latest data from the World Stainless Association (Worldstainless). However, output fell 6pct compared to the previous quarter.
China remained the world’s largest stainless steel producer, with production rising 11.2pct YoY to 9.62 mln tons. Despite the annual growth, China’s output declined 10.4pct quarter-on-quarter.
In Asia (excluding China and South Korea), production dropped 3.3pct YoY and 7.7pct QoQ, totaling 1.78 mln tons.
Europe recorded a 2.9pct YoY increase, producing 1.6 mln tons, while the United States saw production rise 8.6pct YoY to 553,000 tons. On a quarterly basis, output in Europe and the U.S. surged 15.4pct and 25.4pct, respectively.
Production in other regions, including Brazil, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, and Indonesia, declined by 4.5pct YoY to 1.98 mln tons, and fell 3pct from the previous quarter.
Worldstainless, formerly known as the International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF), is a global body representing leading stainless steel producers worldwide.