Global pig iron output falls 2.8% in first five months of 2026

Global pig iron production totaled approximately 569.2 million metric tons in the January–May 2026 period, reflecting a 2.8% year-on-year decline, according to data released by the World Steel Association (worldsteel).

The downturn was largely attributed to weaker performance from major producing nations. China, the world's largest producer, recorded output of 354.7 million tons, down 3.1% compared to the same timeframe in 2025.

Among the top producers, India emerged as a notable exception, posting a 4.4% increase to 66.5 million tons. In contrast, Japan experienced a more modest decline of 1.0%.

Ukraine improved its ranking among the 40 pig iron-producing countries, moving up from 14th to 13th place, despite a slight 0.6% year-on-year decrease in output to nearly 3 million tons.