Japan's domestic steel consumption rises 5.1% in January–May 2026

Domestic steel product consumption in Japan reached 3.57 million metric tons in May 2026, down 8.6% from the previous month but up 2.5% year-on-year, according to data released by the Japan Iron and Steel Federation (JISF). Over the first five months of the year, total domestic steel consumption grew 5.1% year-on-year to 18.58 million metric tons. Sector-wise data for the January–May period shows construction sector consumption rose 2.2% to 3.45 million metric tons, while the automotive sector consumed 4.74 million metric tons, up 5.4%. Shipbuilding industry consumption also increased, rising 3.9% year-on-year to 1.19 million metric tons during the same period.