Global Pig Iron Output Down 1.8% Year-on-Year in First Half of 2026

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Global pig iron production totaled 689.02 million tons in the first half of 2026, representing a year-on-year decline of 1.8%, according to data from the World Steel Association. Output from direct reduction processes reached 61.82 million tons, while blast furnace production stood at 627.20 million tons.

Among major pig iron producers, China recorded an output of 426.64 million tons (-2.8%), India 79.35 million tons (+4%), Japan 29.16 million tons (-0.4%), Russia 28.58 million tons (-4.7%), and South Korea 21.81 million tons (+1.2%). Ukraine ranked 13th among 40 pig iron-producing nations with 3.66 million tons (-0.2%).

Global crude steel output rose 1.7% year-on-year to 155.70 million tons in June, bringing the cumulative volume for the first six months to 931.50 million tons, a 0.7% year-on-year drop.

Global pig iron output hit 1.368 billion tons in 2025, down 1.7% year-on-year, including 129.20 million tons from direct reduction routes and 1.239 billion tons from blast furnaces. The top three producers were China with 836.04 million tons (-3%), India with 154.43 million tons (+6.7%), and Japan with 58.45 million tons (-4.2%).