EU: EU crude steel output fell by 3% year-on-year to a historic low of 126Mt in 2025, according to data published by the European Steel Association (EUROFER) in its 2026 Economic and Steel Market Outlook. The association reported record pressure from imports, which rose by 14% and reached a 29% market share in mid-late 2025. Full-year steel consumption grew by 2%, and is forecast to grow by a further 1% in 2026, attributable to 'exceptionally low' prior-year demand. Signs of demand-side recovery are ‘tentative,’ according to EUROFER.
Director-General Axel Eggert said "EU policymakers must agree the new steel trade measure quickly, without it being weakened, otherwise Europe risks losing more industrial capacity. The Iran crisis also shows how exposed European industry remains to global energy shocks. If the EU wants to keep steel production and green investment here, it must deliver both effective trade defence and affordable electricity."
