According to World Steel Association (WorldSteel) data cited by Ukrmetalurgprom, global pig iron production in the first quarter of 2026 decreased by 2% year-on-year to 340.04 million tonnes. The March figure reached 117.3 million tonnes, which is 3.3% lower than the previous year but 4.8% higher compared to February. These results point to uneven dynamics in the metallurgical cycle and persistent cautious demand for primary metallurgical raw materials.
Smelting Structure and Ukraine's Market Position
The majority of smelting volume in January-March was provided by the blast furnace method — 311.63 million tonnes, while direct reduction iron (DRI) production accounted for 24.41 million tonnes. In March, blast furnace output was 108 million tonnes, down 2% year-on-year but up 4.7% month-on-month. Meanwhile, direct reduction production in March plummeted to 5.3 million tonnes, showing a sharp decrease of 49.7% year-on-year and 39.9% compared to the previous month.
Based on the three-month results, Ukraine ranks 13th among 40 pig iron-producing nations with an output of 1.8 million tonnes. This is a 5.8% increase compared to the same period in 2025, serving as a positive signal against the backdrop of a general global decline. For the Ukrainian market, this represents sustained industrial presence in the international metallurgical chain and support for the sector's export potential.
Impact on the Steel Market and Solutions from winox.ua
The decline in global pig iron production typically affects the steel market through changes in raw material availability, smelting costs, and the procurement behavior of industrial consumers. For service metal centers, machinery manufacturing, construction, and production companies, this necessitates more careful planning of metal product purchases and an assessment of volatility risks. In such conditions, a reliable supplier capable of ensuring predictable deliveries and clear pricing policies becomes particularly significant.
As a supplier of rolled metal, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals, winox.ua operates with a focus on stability for B2B clients. Amidst fluctuations in global raw material production, the company helps businesses maintain continuity of supply and more accurately plan production inventories. For enterprises dependent on regular metal procurement, this serves as a practical tool for reducing operational risks.
Broader Market Trends and Strategic Outlook
The current quarterly dynamics continue the trend observed last year. As previously noted by GMK Center, global pig iron production also declined in 2025 — by 1.7%, to 1.368 billion tonnes. The largest producers remained China, India, and Japan, which continue to shape the base supply balance in the global market.
For participants in the metallurgical and related markets, this indicates that the period of structural adjustment is still ongoing. It is crucial for companies to monitor not only absolute smelting volumes but also the ratio of blast furnace production to direct reduction, as these parameters influence raw material flows, energy components, and price conditions. Consequently, WorldSteel quarterly statistics remain a vital benchmark for strategic procurement and production planning.