The latest edition of World Steel Recycling in Figures, released by the Ferrous Division of the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) during the ongoing BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Gothenburg, highlights the growing role of recycled steel in supporting the global transition towards more sustainable steel production.
Announced by Ferrous Division President Shane Mellor, the 17th edition of the publication covers the period from 2021 to 2025 and includes 60 graphs and tables analysing global steel recycling trends. The report was presented by Divisional Statistics Advisor Rolf Willeke during the Ferrous Division meeting.
Global Steel Production Declines
According to the report, global crude steel production declined by 1.9% in 2025 to approximately 1.85 billion tonnes. Data from the World Steel Association showed that 69.4% of global steel production came from oxygen furnaces, while 30.3% was produced through electric furnaces.
Although oxygen furnace production declined during the year, electric steel production registered a modest increase, reflecting the industry’s gradual shift towards lower-emission manufacturing methods.
Direct Reduced Iron Output Continues to Grow
One of the key indicators of the steel industry’s green transition, global direct reduced iron (DRI) production, increased by 4.9% to approximately 153 million tonnes in 2025.
India retained its position as the world’s largest DRI producer, recording a 7.4% increase in production to nearly 58.9 million tonnes, reinforcing the country’s growing importance in sustainable steelmaking.
Recycled Steel Consumption Reaches 480 Million Tonnes
The report revealed that recycled steel usage across key countries and regions rose by 4.5% in 2025 to reach 480 million tonnes, despite a 2.5% decline in crude steel production.
China remained the world’s largest consumer of recycled steel, increasing its usage by 8.3% to 227 million tonnes even as its crude steel production fell by 4.4%.
India also delivered strong performance, recording significant growth in both recycled steel consumption and crude steel production during the year.
The countries and regions covered in the report account for approximately 75% of global steelmaking activity.
Recycling Prevents Millions of Tonnes of Emissions
Based on calculations by BIR and the World Steel Association, around 630 million tonnes of recycled steel are used annually in global steel production.
This contributes to the avoidance of nearly 950 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year while also conserving natural resources and reducing energy consumption, highlighting the critical role of steel recycling in achieving sustainability goals.
Turkey recorded the highest recycled steel usage ratio in crude steel production at 86.8%, while China reported a much lower rate of 23.6%, largely due to its continued reliance on oxygen furnace production.
Global Trade in Recycled Steel
Turkey remained the world’s largest importer of recycled steel in 2025 despite imports declining to 18.77 million tonnes. The United States and the Netherlands remained its primary suppliers.
India ranked as the second-largest importer globally, importing 8.04 million tonnes of recycled steel. The United States and the United Kingdom were among its key sourcing markets.
The European Union retained its position as the world’s largest exporter of recycled steel, exporting 16.68 million tonnes in 2025 despite a slight decline compared to the previous year. Turkey and Egypt remained the principal export destinations.
The United States continued to be the second-largest exporter globally, shipping 11.77 million tonnes of recycled steel during the year.
The report also noted export growth from the United Kingdom, Mexico, Singapore and Japan, while Canada and Hong Kong recorded declines in export volumes.
Supporting the Circular Economy
The findings reinforce the growing importance of steel recycling within the global circular economy. As steel producers increasingly focus on reducing emissions and improving resource efficiency, recycled steel continues to play a vital role in lowering environmental impact while supporting industrial growth.
The latest BIR report demonstrates that despite fluctuations in steel production, the use of recycled steel is continuing to rise, strengthening the industry’s contribution to global sustainability and decarbonisation efforts.
