India Leads Growth in Recycled Steel Use as Global Consumption Falls
BIR’s latest report shows India’s recycled steel use rose 17% in the first half of 2026, while global consumption declined by 0.7%.
India recorded the strongest growth in recycled steel use among key markets in the first half of 2026, according to the latest update of the World Steel Recycling in Figures report by the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR).
India’s recycled steel consumption increased by 17% year on year to 22.5 million tonnes from January to June 2026. Meanwhile, crude steel production rose by 7.1% to 87 million tonnes.
The findings were shared by BIR Ferrous Statistics Advisor Rolf Willeke at the BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Malaga, Spain. The update forms part of the 17th edition of World Steel Recycling in Figures and includes additional data on Africa.
Global Steel Production Declines by 0.7%
Global crude steel production reached 931.5 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, down 0.7% from the same period in 2025. The figures cover 70 countries, based on data from the World Steel Association (worldsteel).
Asia and Oceania remained the largest producing region, with output falling 0.9% to 690.1 million tonnes. However, several other regions recorded growth.
Africa’s crude steel production rose 10% to 12.6 million tonnes. North America recorded a 5.7% increase to 56.5 million tonnes, while other European countries saw growth of 5.6% to 22.1 million tonnes.
In contrast, the EU-27 reported a 0.3% decline to 65.4 million tonnes. Production also fell in the Middle East, South America and Russia, other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and Ukraine.
Direct Reduced Iron Production Falls by 1%
Global direct reduced iron (DRI) production reached 61.8 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, down 1% year on year across the 12 reporting countries.
DRI is an important indicator in the transition towards lower-carbon steelmaking. India remained the largest producer, with output rising 6% to 31 million tonnes.
Other countries also recorded increases. Argentina’s production rose 21.8% to 531,000 tonnes, while Mexico reported a 19.9% increase to 3.41 million tonnes. Russia’s output grew 1.9% to 4.251 million tonnes.
However, production declined in several markets. Iran recorded a 13.2% fall to 13.976 million tonnes, while Saudi Arabia saw a 28.4% decline to 2.33 million tonnes. Qatar and Canada also reported lower output.
Recycled Steel Use Falls in China and the EU
Across the key countries and regions covered by the report, recycled steel consumption fell 0.7% year on year to 234.1 million tonnes in January-June 2026. Crude steel production in these markets also declined by 0.7% to 787 million tonnes.
China remained the world’s largest consumer of recycled steel. However, its usage fell 7.1% to 101.32 million tonnes. This decline exceeded the 3% drop in its crude steel production, which totalled 500 million tonnes.
The EU-27 also recorded lower consumption. Recycled steel use fell 3.2% to 38.138 million tonnes, while crude steel production declined 0.3%.
By contrast, the United States recorded growth in both areas. Recycled steel consumption increased 9.3% to 29.4 million tonnes, while crude steel production rose 6.3% to 42.8 million tonnes.
India’s performance stood out, with recycled steel use rising 17% to 22.5 million tonnes. Turkey also recorded growth, with consumption increasing 4.8% to 16.8 million tonnes. Japan’s recycled steel use rose 1.6% to 15.14 million tonnes, while South Korea recorded a 4.9% increase to 10.8 million tonnes.
Turkey Records the Highest Share of Recycled Steel Use
The share of recycled steel in crude steel production varied across major markets during the first half of 2026.
Turkey recorded the highest share at 84.9%. The figure stood at 68.7% in the United States and 58.3% in the EU-27. Japan recorded 37.5%, followed by South Korea at 34%, India at 25.9% and China at 20.3%.
These figures highlight differences in the use of recycled steel across major producing markets.
Turkey Leads Recycled Steel Imports
Turkey remained the world’s largest recycled steel importer in the first half of 2026. Its imports rose 3.1% year on year to 9.696 million tonnes.
The United States supplied 1.773 million tonnes, while the Netherlands supplied 1.202 million tonnes. Imports from the UK increased 20.8% to 1.117 million tonnes. Romania also recorded strong growth, with shipments rising 56.8% to 749,000 tonnes.
The EU-27 ranked second among global importers, with volumes increasing 8.4% to 2.69 million tonnes.
Other markets also reported higher imports. The United States recorded an 11.8% increase to 2.511 million tonnes, while Pakistan’s imports rose 20.6% to 1.504 million tonnes. Mexico saw a sharp increase of 77.2% to 1.174 million tonnes.
However, India’s recycled steel imports fell 49.1% to 2.33 million tonnes. Vietnam and Taiwan also recorded declines.
EU-27 Remains the Largest Recycled Steel Exporter
The EU-27 retained its position as the world’s largest recycled steel exporter. Its overseas shipments increased 4.5% year on year to 8.52 million tonnes in the first half of 2026.
Turkey remained its leading buyer, importing 5.446 million tonnes, although this represented a 2.6% decline. Exports to Egypt nearly doubled, rising 96% to 1.106 million tonnes.
The United States ranked second, with exports increasing 2.1% to 6.124 million tonnes. Shipments to Mexico rose 114.7% to 1.194 million tonnes, while exports to Thailand and Canada also increased.
The UK recorded an 8% rise in exports to 3.374 million tonnes. Meanwhile, Canada’s shipments increased 31.7% to 2.513 million tonnes, and Australia’s exports grew 18.5% to 1.317 million tonnes.
Singapore also reported a 33% increase in exports to 747,000 tonnes. In contrast, Japan’s exports declined 7.4% to 3.535 million tonnes, while Mexico recorded a 21.6% fall to 550,000 tonnes.
Africa Gains Greater Attention in Recycling Data
The latest report includes additional information on Africa’s steel production and recycled steel trade.
Egypt remained Africa’s largest crude steel producer, with output rising 13.6% year on year to 5.7 million tonnes in the first half of 2026. It also led the continent’s recycled steel imports, which surged 98.6% to 2.1 million tonnes.
South Africa ranked first among African recycled steel exporters, shipping 110,000 tonnes. However, its exports fell 33.5% compared with the first half of 2025.
The latest figures offer a broader view of global steel production, recycled steel consumption and international scrap trade. India’s rising consumption stands out against the overall decline, while shifts in imports and exports continue to shape trade flows across major markets.
