In 2023, the global steel demand amounted to roughly **** billion metric tons, representing a slight decrease compared to the previous year. This figure was projected to decline by slightly in 2024 and increase in 2025. In 2025, the demand for finished steel products was forecast to reach just above **** billion metric tons. Steel plays a crucial role in numerous sectors of construction and engineering. China is the world's largest steel market China is by far the largest market for the production and consumption of steel. In China, steel is used primarily for vehicle manufacturing, construction materials, and consumer electronics. As China’s growing economy continues to demand more steel, the energy sector must work hard to keep smelters running. Much of the energy demand is met with coal combustion, contributing to high levels of carbon dioxide emissions. Producing and consuming so much steel means that the global steel industry is tied to China’s steel sector and wider economy. Steel as a material and commodity Steel products are available in many forms, including slabs, rebars, and rods; each category provides different qualities to their use. Steel consumption is either from steel scrap or virgin steel. China Baowu Steel Group Corp. was the largest steel manufacturing company as of March 2023, with sales revenues of ***** billion U.S. dollars. Luxembourg’s ArcelorMittal came second with over **** billion revenues.

In 2025, Asia and Oceania will be the largest consumer of finished steel products, with approximately 1.25 billion metric tons of expected demand. In the same year, African steel demand is expected to reach almost 38.9 million metric tons, which was one of the largest growths expected.

In 2024, the building and infrastructure segment utilized ** percent of the steel produced worldwide. In the same year, the automotive industry accounted for ** percent of the global steel use, whereas electrical equipment made up ***** percent of total steel demand.

In 2022, the mechanical engineering industry segment utilized around **** percent of the stainless steel produced worldwide. In the same year, the electrical machinery industry accounted for nearly ***** percent of the global stainless steel use, whereas other transport made up over **** percent of the total stainless steel demand.

Indonesia Iron and Steel: Consumption: Crude Steel data was reported at 11,224.200 Ton th in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 10,754.200 Ton th for 2014. Indonesia Iron and Steel: Consumption: Crude Steel data is updated yearly, averaging 6,644.871 Ton th from Dec 2004 (Median) to 2015, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11,224.200 Ton th in 2015 and a record low of 5,404.939 Ton th in 2004. Indonesia Iron and Steel: Consumption: Crude Steel data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Industry. The data is categorized under Indonesia Premium Database’s Iron and Steel Sector – Table ID.WAB001: Iron and Steel Consumption.

United States Apparent Consumption: Steel data was reported at 100,000,000.000 Metric Ton in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 95,000,000.000 Metric Ton for 2016. United States Apparent Consumption: Steel data is updated yearly, averaging 71,850,000.000 Metric Ton from Dec 1900 (Median) to 2017, with 118 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 120,000,000.000 Metric Ton in 2006 and a record low of 9,500,000.000 Metric Ton in 1900. United States Apparent Consumption: Steel data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by United States Geological Survey. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.WA007: Apparent Consumption.

China Steel: Production: Consumption of Purchased Steel data was reported at 4,532.000 Ton th in Nov 2013. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4,740.556 Ton th for Oct 2013. China Steel: Production: Consumption of Purchased Steel data is updated monthly, averaging 1,735.600 Ton th from Jan 2004 (Median) to Nov 2013, with 118 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,096.000 Ton th in Sep 2013 and a record low of 38.100 Ton th in Jan 2004. China Steel: Production: Consumption of Purchased Steel data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by China Iron and Steel Association. The data is categorized under Global Database’s China – Table CN.WAD: Steel Production.

In 2023, China recorded the highest apparent steel use among selected countries or region in the Asia-Pacific region, totaling approximately 896 million metric tons. Meanwhile, South Korea had the highest apparent steel use per capita in the Asia-Pacific region.

The global steel market, valued at approximately $908.68 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key drivers. Increased infrastructure development, particularly in emerging economies, necessitates substantial steel consumption for construction projects like bridges, buildings, and transportation networks. The burgeoning automotive industry, with its continuous demand for high-strength steel in vehicle manufacturing, further bolsters market expansion. Furthermore, the renewable energy sector's reliance on steel for wind turbine construction and solar panel infrastructure contributes significantly to market demand. However, fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly iron ore and coking coal, represent a significant challenge. Environmental regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions from steel production also present restraints, potentially impacting production costs and profitability. While the market faces these challenges, technological advancements in steel production, such as the adoption of more efficient and environmentally friendly processes, are mitigating some of these concerns. The market is segmented by various steel types (e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel), application areas (e.g., construction, automotive, energy), and geographical regions. Major players like ArcelorMittal, Nippon Steel, and Baowu Steel Group dominate the market landscape, engaging in intense competition through technological innovation, cost optimization, and strategic acquisitions. The forecast period anticipates a steady rise in market size, driven by consistent global infrastructure investment and continued industrialization in developing nations. The competitive landscape is characterized by both large multinational corporations and regional players. The leading companies are constantly seeking to optimize production efficiency, diversify their product portfolio to cater to specific industry demands, and expand their geographic reach. Strategic mergers and acquisitions are prevalent, reflecting the consolidation trend within the industry. The global nature of the market necessitates navigating varying regulatory landscapes and economic conditions across different regions. Effective supply chain management, and technological advancements are crucial for companies to maintain competitiveness and profitability in the long term. Maintaining a sustainable approach to production, minimizing environmental impact, and adapting to shifting global economic conditions will be critical factors in determining success in this dynamic market.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Stainless Steel market size will be USD 208154.5 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.00% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 83261.80 million in 2024 and will rise at the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 62446.35 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 47875.54 million in 2024 and will rise at the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 10407.73 million in 2024 and will rise at the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from the year 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 4163.09 million in 2024 and will rise at the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from the year 2024 to 2031.
The automotive & transportation category is the fastest growing segment of the Stainless Steel industry

Market Dynamics of Stainless Steel Market

Key Drivers for Stainless Steel Market

Growing Demand in Construction and Infrastructure Development to Boost Market Growth

The construction industry is a major driver of the stainless steel market, with the increasing demand for stainless steel across infrastructure projects globally. The durability, low maintenance requirements and corrosion resistance of stainless steel make it ideal for structural applications, bridges, and building facades. Urbanization and population growth, mainly in developing regions, are fueling the need for more residential, commercial, and public infrastructure, driving significant consumption of stainless steel. Moreover, as governments worldwide invest heavily in infrastructure modernization—especially for green and smart city projects—the demand for sustainable and resilient construction materials like stainless steel continues to grow. Stainless steel also aligns with sustainability goals as it is highly recyclable, supporting its rising application in eco-conscious construction practices. For instance, Acerinox acquired Haynes International. The latter is a leading developer in the US. It is a manufacturer and marketer of technologically modern high-performance alloys. Such acquisition improves Acerinox’s position in the high-performance alloy segment.

Rising Use in Automotive and Transportation Sectors to Drive Market Growth

The automotive and transportation industries are key drivers for the stainless steel market as manufacturers increasingly prefer this material for vehicle frames, exhaust systems, fuel tanks, and other critical components. Stainless steel’s high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance contribute to vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, and long-term durability, which are essential for both traditional and electric vehicles. As the electric vehicle (EV) market expands, demand for stainless steel also rises due to its application in battery casings and components that must withstand high temperatures and corrosion. In public transportation, high-speed trains and metro systems benefit from stainless steel’s lightweight and durable properties, contributing to reduced maintenance costs and operational efficiency.

Restraint Factor for the Stainless Steel Market

Environmental Regulations and Sustainability Concerns Will Limit Market Growth

Stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing industrial pollution and greenhouse gas emissions pose a challenge to the stainless steel industry. The production of stainless steel emits significant CO? and other pollutants, making it subject to rigorous compliance standards, especially in developed regions with strict environmental policies. As global sustainability demands increase, the stainless steel industry faces pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices, which may require significant investment in cleaner technologies or carbon offset strategies. These regulatory pressures increase operational costs and compliance burdens, potentially impacting profitability and discouraging small and medium enterprises from entering or expandi...

Discover the latest forecast for the global steel market, indicating a steady upward consumption trend driven by increasing demand for raw steel and steel semi-finished products worldwide. Market performance is expected to expand with a CAGR of +0.8% from 2024 to 2035, reaching a volume of 1,966M tons and a value of $1,712.8B by the end of 2035.

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Steel Market Size 2025-2029

The steel market size is forecast to increase by USD 307.4 billion at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant shifts driven by urbanization and infrastructure development. The increasing demand for steel in construction and infrastructure projects, particularly in emerging economies, is a key growth driver. Steel is used in jewelry, belt buckles, clips, casings, watch straps and backs, cooker hoods, outdoor kitchen cabinets, worktops, drainers, sinks, and others. Moreover, the trend toward sustainable steel production is gaining momentum as companies seek to reduce their carbon footprint and meet evolving consumer preferences. However, the market faces challenges in the form of trade barriers and protectionist policies. These obstacles can hinder the free flow of steel between countries and potentially disrupt global supply chains.
Companies must navigate these challenges by exploring alternative sourcing options and strengthening their relationships with key suppliers. To capitalize on opportunities and mitigate risks, strategic planning and operational agility are essential. Companies that can effectively address these market dynamics will be well-positioned to thrive in the evolving steel landscape. Advanced properties of steel, such as pliability and appealing aesthetic properties in diverse architectural elements such as railings, roofing, and staircases will fuel the market growth inthe coming years.

What will be the Size of the Steel Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The market is a dynamic and intricate industry encompassing various sectors, including steel prices, fabrication, aerospace, automotive, research, and construction. Steel prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, with recent trends pointing towards increased costs due to raw material expenses and logistical challenges in steel transportation. In the realm of innovation, powder metallurgy and advanced steel alloys are gaining traction, offering enhanced properties for high-performance applications. The steel aerospace and automotive industries rely on lightweight, high-strength steel to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Steel research continues to push boundaries, with developments in steel composites and 3D printing technology revolutionizing construction and engineering projects.
The steel supply chain is undergoing digital transformation, streamlining processes and improving efficiency. Steel demand remains strong, driven by infrastructure development, energy projects, and the ongoing need for durable, reliable materials. The steel industry's focus on sustainability and energy efficiency is shaping future trends, with steel manufacturing processes becoming more environmentally friendly and energy-intensive operations being optimized. Ultimately, the market's resilience and adaptability ensure its continued relevance in diverse industries and applications.

How is this Steel Industry segmented?

The steel industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Flat steel
  Long steel


Application

  Structural steel
  Automotive steel
  Electrical steel
  Packaging steel


End-user

  Construction
  Transportation
  Machinery
  Metal goods
  Others


Method

  Basic oxygen furnace
  Electric arc furnace
  Open hearth furnace


Geography

  North America

    US
    Mexico


  Europe

    Germany
    Italy
    Russia


  Middle East and Africa

    Turkey


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The flat steel segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. In the realm of flat steel, a significant sector within the global market, products are crafted from slabs into sheets, plates, coils, and strips. These materials, renowned for their versatility, strength, and adaptability, underpin numerous industrial applications. Major product categories include hot-rolled coil (HRC), cold-rolled coil (CRC), galvanized steel, tinplate, and steel plates, each customized to meet distinct performance needs, such as surface finish, tensile strength, and corrosion resistance. Flat steel assumes a pivotal role in the automotive industry, where it contributes to the production of body panels and structural components. The steelmaking process involves various techniques, including blast furnace, basic oxygen furnace, and electric arc furnace, while recycling steel scrap is a crucial aspect of sustainable steel production.

Alloying elements

The global steel market size attained a volume of around 1738.39 MMT in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.24% between 2025 and 2034 to reach a volume of nearly 2169.48 MMT by 2034. The growing demand in the steel market is due to the increasing infrastructure investments and expanding sectors including automotive and construction. Rising urbanization needs and an increasing need for durable materials in urban development projects have motivated the growth to a great extent. Since the automotive industry requires high-quality steel products to manufacture vehicles, it plays a significant role in steady growth. Steel usage for the production of components that are quantitatively effective is expected to be driven by the renewable energy sectors, particularly the wind and solar energy industries. The steel sector is set to grow as global infrastructure investment rises, with a particular emphasis on developing high-performance materials in line with environmental pledges.

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Steel Manufacturing Market Size 2025-2029

The steel manufacturing market size is forecast to increase by USD 455.4 billion, at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is driven by the increasing consumption of high-strength steel, which is increasingly preferred in various industries due to its superior properties. This trend is further fueled by the growing demand for steel and stainless steel scrap, serving as crucial raw materials in steel production. However, the market faces challenges from excess production capacity, leading to intense competition and price pressures. Companies must navigate these dynamics to capitalize on opportunities and maintain profitability. Strategic initiatives such as innovation, operational efficiency, and geographic expansion can help steel manufacturers stay competitive and thrive in this dynamic market.

What will be the Size of the Steel Manufacturing Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
Request Free SampleThe market continues to evolve, driven by dynamic market conditions and shifting applications across various sectors. Basic oxygen furnaces and blast furnaces remain the cornerstone of steel production, transforming iron ore into molten steel for further processing. The resulting steel is then shaped through continuous casting, hot rolling, and cold rolling into various forms such as bars, slabs, sheets, tubes, pipes, and plates. Steel consumption patterns are influenced by the demands of industries like consumer goods, automotive, construction, and energy. Stainless steel, with its superior strength and resistance to corrosion, finds extensive use in these sectors. Steel imports and exports shape global supply chains, with electric arc furnaces playing a crucial role in steel recycling and the production of alloy steel and high-strength steel. Steel grades and quality standards are continually evolving to meet the specific requirements of various applications. Carbon steel, galvanized steel, and prepainted steel are some of the many grades available. Steel pricing remains a critical factor, influenced by production costs, supply and demand, and market trends. The ongoing development of steel manufacturing technology further enhances the industry's ability to meet the evolving needs of its diverse customer base.

How is this Steel Manufacturing Industry segmented?

The steel manufacturing industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. End-userConstructionMachineryAutomotiveMetal productsOthersTypeFlatLongGeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaEuropeFranceGermanyRussiaUKAPACChinaIndiaJapanSouth AmericaBrazilRest of World (ROW).

By End-user Insights

The construction segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.The market is driven by the construction sector, which accounted for the largest share in 2024. This growth can be attributed to the construction of infrastructure projects such as skyscrapers, tech parks, roads, motorways, and bridges. Steel's strength and ductility make it an ideal choice for the building industry. It is commonly used in the production of high-strength plates for roads and bridges, rectangular tubing for welded frames, and beams for structural frameworks. Rebar and hollow structural components are also manufactured using steel. Additionally, steel is utilized in sign poles, fences, caissons, columns, culverts, pilings, and handrails due to its properties of durability, affordability, and adaptability for prolonged exposure to weather. Steel manufacturing processes include the use of electric arc furnaces, basic oxygen furnaces, and blast furnaces. Steel grades such as carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and high-strength steel are produced using these processes. Steel production capacity is increased through continuous casting, hot rolling, cold rolling, and continuous annealing. Steel scrap is recycled and reused in the manufacturing process, contributing to the sustainability of the industry. Steel applications extend beyond the construction industry to consumer goods, transportation, packaging, and industrial machinery. Prepainted steel, galvanized steel, and steel coatings are used in the production of appliances, automobiles, and packaging materials. Steel tubes and pipes are utilized in the oil and gas industry for transportation and storage. Steel wires are used in various applications such as fencing, wire ropes, and electrical conductors. Steel exports and imports play a significant role in the global steel market. Steel production and consumption vary across regions, leading to fluctuations in prices. Steel qu

The global stainless steel market reached a value of almost USD 153.26 Billion in 2024. The industry is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.80% in the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach a value of nearly USD 295.90 Billion by 2034. The stainless steel market is witnessing rapid growth worldwide as demand grows in various industries, including engineering, electronics and construction. Asia Pacific is a prominent region due to the high production and consumption levels. The U.S. market is also increasing at a steady rate due to increasing infrastructure development and manufacturing activities. These properties give stainless steel excellent corrosion resistance and a wide range of applications, which are particularly useful for automotive, electronics, architecture. The global stainless steel market is anticipated to shoot up further as higher production technology and the diversification of stainless steel usage into new sectors will continue to drive the market. It has a good growth potential, with rising worldwide usage.

European Heat Final Consumption in Iron and Steel Sectors by Country, 2023 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Learn about the rapidly growing global market for hot-rolled round bars of stainless steel, with projections showing an increase in both volume and value over the next decade.

Spain Apparent Steel Consumption: Flat Hot Rolled data was reported at 3,440.000 Tonne th in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 3,099.000 Tonne th for 2016. Spain Apparent Steel Consumption: Flat Hot Rolled data is updated yearly, averaging 3,534.500 Tonne th from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2017, with 16 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,351.000 Tonne th in 2007 and a record low of 1,954.000 Tonne th in 2009. Spain Apparent Steel Consumption: Flat Hot Rolled data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Union of Steelmaking Enterprises. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.WA007: Apparent Steel Consumption.

Enforcement and Compliance's Global Steel Trade Monitor provides global import and export trends for the top countries trading in steel mill products.To supplement ITA's core trade statistics in the Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) system, quarterly country reports for the top 20 steel importing and top 20 steel exporting countries will be published.Each country report includes export and import trends by country and aggregate product, production and consumption data, and where available, information about trade remedy actions taken on steel products.

Learn about the predicted growth in the global market for flat-rolled iron and steel products from 2024 to 2035, with a projected increase in volume and value.