According to statistics from the World Stainless Association, global stainless steel melt shop production reached 33 million tons in the first half of 2026, registering a 5% year-on-year increase.
Asia drove this expansion, producing 28.3 million tons to account for nearly 86% of global output with a 6.1% year-on-year increase, led by China’s 63.9% share.
Conversely, the European Union’s output fell by 3.7% to 2.9 million tons. Meanwhile, the United States’ production rose by 2.3% to 1.1 million tons, supported by a heavy reliance on recycled metal feedstock.