Global Stainless Steel Production Rises 5% to 32.96 Million Tonnes in H1 2026
Global stainless steel production increased 5% year-on-year to 32.96 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, according to data from the World Stainless Association. Growth was led by Asia, with China accounting for a significant share of the increase, while production in the European Union declined during the period.
The latest figures indicate stronger momentum across the global stainless steel industry, particularly during the second quarter of the year.
Asia Leads Global Stainless Steel Production Growth
Asia remained the largest stainless steel producing region in H1 2026, with output reaching 28.31 million tonnes, up 6.1% from 26.69 million tonnes in the first half of 2025. Production growth accelerated in the second quarter, with Asian stainless steel output rising 8.7% year-on-year to 14.87 million tonnes. The increase highlights the region’s continued dominance of global stainless steel manufacturing.
China was the primary contributor to this growth.
China Stainless Steel Production Rises 7.1%
China produced 21.07 million tonnes of stainless steel in H1 2026, compared with 19.66 million tonnes during the same period last year, marking a 7.1% increase. The country’s production growth was even stronger in Q2, when output reached 11.22 million tonnes, up 9.7% year-on-year from 10.23 million tonnes.
With China accounting for a substantial portion of global stainless steel production, its higher output could have significant implications for international supply, raw material demand and trade flows.
EU Stainless Steel Production Declines
In contrast, stainless steel production in the European Union fell 3.7% year-on-year to 2.91 million tonnes in H1 2026, compared with 3.02 million tonnes in H1 2025. However, the quarterly numbers point towards some stabilisation. EU production in Q2 increased 0.5% year-on-year to 1.50 million tonnes, compared with 1.49 million tonnes in Q2 2025.The modest quarterly improvement could indicate a gradual recovery in European stainless steel manufacturing, although first-half production remained below the previous year’s level.
US Stainless Steel Output Increases 3.2%
The United States recorded more moderate growth during the period. US stainless steel melt-shop production rose 3.2% to 1.147 million tonnes in H1 2026, compared with 1.111 million tonnes in H1 2025. Q2 production also increased, reaching 582,000 tonnes, up 4.1% year-on-year.
Global Stainless Steel Production in H1 2026
| Region | H1 2026 Production | YoY Change |
| Asia | 28.31 million tonnes | +6.1% |
| China | 21.07 million tonnes | +7.1% |
| European Union | 2.91 million tonnes | -3.7% |
| United States | 1.147 million tonnes | +3.2% |
| Global | 32.96 million tonnes | +5.0% |
Stronger Momentum in Q2
Global stainless steel production showed stronger momentum in the second quarter. Worldwide melt-shop output reached 17.24 million tonnes in Q2 2026, up 7.6% from 16.02 million tonnes in Q2 2025. The acceleration was largely driven by Asia and China, where production increased 8.7% and 9.7%, respectively.
The H1 figures therefore point to a strengthening global production environment, although regional performance remains uneven. With global stainless steel production approaching 33 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, developments in Asian output, particularly in China, will remain important for the stainless steel market. Meanwhile, the performance of European producers will be closely watched as the industry moves through the second half of the year.
Wrap Up
Overall, the rise in global stainless steel production reflects stronger manufacturing momentum in the first half of 2026, led by Asia and China. While production remains under pressure in the European Union, the improvement in Q2 output across several major markets points to a firmer second half. Continued growth in Asian production will remain a key factor shaping global stainless steel supply, trade flows and market dynamics in the months ahead.
