According to the latest statistics from the World Stainless Association, global stainless steel melt shop production reached 31.9 million tons in the first half of 2025, marking a 5% increase year-on-year. The growth was particularly notable in the second quarter of 2025, when production climbed to 16.36 million tons, up 5.0% from Q1 and 3.1% higher compared to the same period in 2024.
🌍 Regional Production Highlights
- United States: Stainless steel production rose 1.1% quarter-on-quarter and surged 7.8% year-on-year, reaching 559,000 tons. Strong demand in the automotive and energy sectors contributed to this rebound.
- China: Still the global leader, production increased 3.9% year-on-year to 10.54 million tons, supported by infrastructure and export demand despite oversupply challenges.
- Other Asia (excluding China): Output rose 4.1% year-on-year to 3.49 million tons, boosted by industrial growth and stronger regional exports.
- Europe: Production fell 5.1% year-on-year to 1.54 million tons, reflecting weak domestic demand and high energy costs that continue to weigh on the region’s mills.
