According to statistics from the World Stainless Association, global stainless steel melt shop production rose in the first half of 2025, reaching 31.9 million tons, increasing by 5% from the same period a year ago. This growth was particularly strong in the second quarter, with a 5.0% month-on-month increase and a 3.1% year-on-year growth to 16.36 million tons.
The US had a 1.1% month-on-month hike and a 7.8% year-on-year increase in production, reaching 559,000 tons. Meanwhile, production in China and other Asian regions also grew by 3.9% and 4.1% year on year to 10.54 million tons and 3.49 million tons, respectively. In contrast, Europe’s stainless steel production decreased by 5.1% year on year to 1.54 million tons. This overall increase continues a trend from 2024 when full-year global output grew by 7%.