Germany’s steel production increased by 8.9% year-on-year to 18.63 million tonnes during the first half of 2026, signalling improved activity across the country’s steel industry.Basic oxygen furnace production climbed 11.5% to 12.76 million tonnes, while electric arc furnace output rose 3.5% to 5.87 million tonnes. Pig iron production increased 9.3% to 11.62 million tonnes, and hot-rolled steel output grew 5.4% to 16.1 million tonnes.
In June alone, German steelmakers produced 2.93 million tonnes of crude steel, up 9.5% from the same month last year. However, production declined 8.3% compared with May.Despite the stronger figures, industry leaders remain cautious about calling it a full recovery. Weak demand from construction, mechanical engineering, equipment manufacturing and the automotive sector continues to pressure the market. Restocking activity, rather than a sustained rise in steel consumption, was identified as a major driver of production growth.
Germany’s projected annual output of 37.7 million tonnes also remains below the 40-million-tonne level considered necessary for economically viable capacity utilisation. Competitive electricity prices, stronger public procurement and protection from rising steel imports will be essential for long-term recovery.
