Stainless steel melt shop production increases by 2.5% in the first quarter of 2026
29 May 2026
The world stainless association has released figures for the first quarter of 2026, showing the total stainless steel melt shop production was 15.8 million tonnes, an increase of 2.5% compared to the first quarter of 2025.
Asia produced 13.4 million tonnes, an increase of 3.3% compared to Q1 2025. The European Union produced 1.5 million tonnes, which is a decrease of 4.6%. The United States produced 0.6 million tonnes, an increase of 2.3%. Other countries produced 0.3 million tonnes, which is an increase of 6.7%.
Stainless steel melt shop production [000 metric tonnes]
| Region | thousand tonnes | % change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 | Q1 2026 | Q1 '26/ Q1 '25 | |
| Asia | 13,008 | 13,435 | 3.3 |
| China | 9,437 | 9,842 | 4.3 |
| European Union | 1,539 | 1,468 | -4.6 |
| United States | 553 | 566 | 2.3 |
| Others (1) | 286 | 305 | 6.7 |
| Total | 15,387 | 15,774 | 2.5 |
| (1) - Brazil, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, United Kingdom | |||
Any inquiries can be directed to data@worldstainless.org
