Global stainless steel production climbed in the second quarter of 2025, showing renewed momentum after a sluggish start to the year. According to WorldStainless, melt shop output rose by five per cent compared with the first quarter and by 3.1 per cent against the same period last year.

The Brussels-based body reported that total global production reached 16.36 million metric tonnes between April and June. This was higher than the 15.58 million tonnes in the first three months of 2025 and above the 15.87 million tonnes recorded in the second quarter of 2024.

However, the gains were not spread evenly. China drove the biggest rise with a sharp 9.6 per cent increase compared with the first quarter. Output also rose 3.9 per cent year-on-year, underscoring the country’s dominant role. China accounted for 64 per cent of the world’s stainless steel production in the second quarter, far ahead of all other regions.

The US also performed strongly. American stainless mills lifted output by 7.8 per cent from a year ago. Quarter-on-quarter, production grew by a more modest 1.1 per cent. This meant the US held steady at roughly five per cent of China’s massive production.

Producers in Europe saw output fall by 5.1 per cent compared with last year. Production also dropped by 4.1 per cent against the first quarter, reflecting weak demand and challenging conditions.

Meanwhile, other Asian countries, such as India, South Korea and Indonesia, showed mixed signals. Output slipped by 2.2 per cent compared with the first quarter, suggesting pressure from China’s boom. Nevertheless, year-on-year production still managed to rise by 4.1 per cent, highlighting the region’s resilient demand base.

Analysts note that China’s rapid growth continues to distort the balance of global stainless supply. While some regions struggle to maintain momentum, China and the US are keeping global production firmly on an upward path.