Brussels, July 23. The World Steel Association released monthly crude steel production statistics covering 70 major economies around the world. Global crude steel output hit 155.7 million metric tonnes in June 2026, representing a year‑on‑year increase of 1.7 percent. Production performance varied sharply across different regions. The EU‑27 reported a 4.6 percent year‑over‑year rise in crude steel output, while North American production climbed 5.0 percent supported by improved manufacturing orders and infrastructure spending. By contrast, crude‑steel output in the Middle East dropped by 13.4 percent, and production volumes from Russia and other CIS nations fell 2.2 percent amid logistical constraints and weak external demand. As the world’s largest steel‑producing economy, China delivered 83.7 million tonnes of crude steel in June, posting a modest 0.4 percent year‑on‑year growth. Industry analysts explained that uneven recovery in global manufacturing and infrastructure sectors is the primary driver behind such divergent production figures. Most market observers expect seasonal demand weakness will put downward pressure on global crude‑steel output throughout the third quarter of 2026, with emerging markets remaining the main source of future production growth.