Which Country Ranks First In Steel Production?

Steel can be found everywhere in everyday life, from the tallest infrastructure to tiny hairpins. Steel is strong, durable, and recyclable without losing any of its inherent properties. In 2024, the world's crude steel production reached 1.8 billion tonnes (MT) as per the World Steel Association. Speaking of global demand and production, though in the early 2026, global steel production witnessed a downward trend, resulting in an output of 298.2 million tonnes. 

While India's crude steel output continued its upward trajectory in 2025-26. Maintaining its growth momentum, India is strengthening its position as the world's second-largest steel producer. India’s total steel production capacity reached around 220 million tonnes in FY 2025–26 and is projected to grow to 300 million tonnes by 2030. Domestic demand remained the primary growth driver. Key sectors such as infrastructure, construction, railways, and manufacturing contributed to the surge.

Which Country Ranks First In Steel Production?

China ranks first in the world in steel production, producing over 1 billion tonnes annually. As per the 2024 World Steel, China accounts for more than 50 per cent of global crude steel output. In 2024, China produced 1,005.1 million tonnes of crude steel. In 2025, China manufactured ~960 million tonnes, remaining the world's largest steel producer. 

The steel industry in China expanded rapidly in the 1950s-70s, eventually becoming the world's largest producer in the late 1990s. Since then, China's steel production grew from 123 million tonnes in 1999 to over 1 billion tonnes by 2020. In 1996, China surpassed the US to become the world's largest steel producer. 

Top producers of steel in China include major state-owned groups like China Baowu Steel Group, Ansteel Group, and HBIS Group. China's Baowu Steel Group produces over 130 mtpa, roughly matching India's total 2024 production of ~150 mtpa. 

China produced ~1,050 million tonnes (mt) in 2024 compared to India's 150 mt. China's steel plants use advanced automation, AI-driven operations, smart quality inspection, and industry 4.0 technologies. Over 70 per cent of China's steel cargo moves via efficient inland waterways and rail. China's steel plants maintain over 95 per cent utilisation rates. China's dedicated freight corridors and port-centric clusters ensure seamless raw material flow.

Did you know?

Early evidence of steel production dates back over 4,000 years; however, large-scale industrial steel production started in the late 1850s. Henry Bessemer developed the Bessemer converter in 1857, which facilitated the first large-scale bulk production of steel. 

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