Global Crude Steel Production Declines in August 2026; Vietnam Grows 36%
According to the latest report from the World Steel Association, global crude steel production in August 2026 fell 1.2% year-on-year to 144.2 million tons. China, the world's largest steel producer, saw a 3.7% decline in output, while Vietnam recorded 36.4% growth.
The World Steel Association, in a report published on September 24, 2026, in Brussels, announced that 70 member and reporting countries of the association produced a total of 144.2 million tons of crude steel during August 2026. This represents a 1.2% decrease compared to August 2025 production.
These 70 countries accounted for approximately 98% of total global crude steel production in 2025.
Decline in Steel Production in Asia and Oceania
According to the report, the Asia and Oceania region produced 106.7 million tons of crude steel in August 2026, experiencing a 1.4% decline compared to the same period last year. China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam are among the most important producers in this region.
The European Union also produced 8.9 million tons of crude steel this month, showing a 1.0% decrease compared to August 2025. In contrast, other European countries produced 3.8 million tons, registering 1.2% growth.
Crude steel production in the Middle East also reached 3.7 million tons, indicating a 4.6% decrease compared to August last year.
Production Growth in Africa and North America
Africa produced 2.1 million tons of crude steel, experiencing 8.8% growth. North America also produced 9.4 million tons, an increase of 3.9%.
Steel Production
In contrast, crude steel production in Russia, other Commonwealth of Independent States countries, and Ukraine reached 6.3 million tons, showing a 5.6% decrease. South America also produced 3.4 million tons, registering a 4.9% decline.
China Remains the World’s Top Steel Producer
China, with production of 74.6 million tons of crude steel in August 2026, remained in first place among global producers, but its production decreased by 3.7% compared to August 2025.
India ranked second with production of 14.8 million tons and 4.6% growth. US crude steel production was estimated at 7.3 million tons, up 3%.
Japan produced 6.7 million tons, registering 0.4% growth, and Russia, with estimated production of 5.5 million tons, faced a 0.3% decline.
South Korea also produced 5.4 million tons of crude steel in August this year, 2.6% more than the same period last year. Turkey produced 3.4 million tons, down 0.4%.
Germany produced 2.6 million tons, registering 1.7% growth. Brazil also produced 2.7 million tons of crude steel, indicating a 6.2% decrease.
Among the top 10 producers, Vietnam recorded the highest production increase with 2.7 million tons of crude steel and 36.4% growth.
Position of Major Producers
World Steel Association data shows that the global steel market in August 2026 was affected by the decline in China’s production and reduced output in regions such as Russia, CIS countries, Ukraine, and South America. In contrast, production growth in India, the United States, Africa, and especially Vietnam partially offset this decline.