Iran’s steel production saw a modest recovery [1] in March, rising 3.7 percent compared to the same month last year, according to the World Steel Association’s (WSA) latest report on global output trends. The uptick helped offset the country’s consecutive declines in January and February, though overall quarterly production remained subdued.
WSA’s monthly analysis highlighted that global crude steel output reached 166.1 million tons in March 2025, marking a 2.9 percent increase from March 2024. Despite this, total worldwide production over the first quarter dipped 0.4 percent year-on-year, settling at 468 million tons.
Iran’s steelmakers generated 7.3 million tons in Q1 2025, reflecting a 12.8 percent contraction compared to the same period last year. The downturn was largely driven by steep declines earlier in the year, with January output falling 24.1 percent and February seeing a 21.8 percent drop. The improvement in March helped reduce the overall quarterly decline.
Globally, China retained its status as the leading steel producer, reporting a 4.6 percent rise in March output, bringing its monthly total to 92.8 million tons. Over the quarter, China’s production stood at 259.3 million tons, registering a 0.6 percent year-on-year gain.
Iran and Germany posted the sharpest reductions among the top ten steel-producing nations, though Iran held its rank as the 10th largest steel manufacturer worldwide. Meanwhile, India reinforced its position as the second-largest producer, recording 7 percent growth in March and 6.8 percent over Q1.
Other key producers, including Brazil and Japan, also reported positive growth in March. Year-on-year production shifts for Brazil, Iran, Japan, China, and India were 7, 4.6, 6.6, 3.7, and 0.2 percent, respectively.
WSA attributed China’s output surge to recovering market demand, despite persistent struggles in the real estate sector. U.S. tariffs on Chinese steel had previously slowed production, but recent figures suggest exporters may be exploring new global markets—potentially intensifying competition for Iranian suppliers.
Of the ten leading steel-producing countries, five saw output declines in March compared to last year, based on data gathered from 69 nations.
Sources:
[1] Iran’s March steel output rises 3.7% year-on-year: WSA https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/512406/Iran-s-March-steel-output-rises-3-7-year-on-year-WSA