Steel Market Size | Companies Analysis 2026- 2035

What is the Current Steel Market Size and Share?

The global steel market size is calculated at USD 1.69 trillion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 1.77 trillion in 2026 and is projected to reach around USD 2.66 trillion by 2035, The market is expanding at a CAGR of 4.65% between 2026 and 2035. Asia Pacific dominated the Steel market with a market share of 55.39% the global market in 2025. The growing construction activities and the rise in the adoption of electric vehicles drive the market growth.

Key Takeaways

• By region, Asia Pacific led the market with the largest revenue share of over 55.39% in 2025.
• By product type, the long steel held the largest revenue share of 56.12% in 2025 in terms of value.
• By manufacturing process, the electric arc furnace segment led the market in 2025.
• By manufacturing process, the basic oxygen steelmaking segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By end use, the construction segment led the market in 2025. 
• By end use, the automotive segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.

What Drives the Growth of the Steel Market?

The steel market growth is driven by growing development of infrastructure pipeline, rise in residential & commercial construction projects, manufacturing fuel-efficient vehicles, increasing use of specialty steels, and rising recyclability of steel. The growing development of large-scale infrastructure projects and increasing industrial activities in countries like China and India increases demand for steel. 

The ongoing technological innovations, like the electric arc furnace, in the production of steel and green steel initiatives, help in market expansion. The high availability of raw materials like scrap steel, iron ore, and coal increases the steel production. The growing demand for durable and high-strength steel grades across diverse industries helps market growth. 

What is Steel?

Steel is a versatile alloy of carbon & iron, especially containing less than 1% manganese, 2% carbon, and small amounts of phosphorus, oxygen, silicon, & sulphur. Steel offers high yield strength, toughness, ductility, tensile strength, hardness, malleability, and durability. The density of steel is between 7,700 and 8,050 kg/m³. Steel can be easily welded and withstands extreme temperatures. 

The different types of steel are medium carbon steel, long steel, low carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, tool steel, high carbon steel, and others. Steel is widely used across applications like structural components, pipelines, car bodies, aircraft construction, marine structures, reinforcement, chassis, and washing machines. 

Steel Market Trends:

• Growing Construction Projects: The rapid urbanization and growing development of infrastructure projects, commercial spaces, and residential buildings increase demand for steel. The strong focus on maintaining the structural integrity and extending the lifespan of buildings increases demand for steel. 
• Increasing Demand for Specialty Steel: The growing development of large-scale infrastructure projects like railways, urban areas, roads, and airports increases demand for specialty steels like structural steel and TMT bars. The growing industries like renewable energy, defense, and aerospace increase the adoption of specialty steels.
• Renewable Energy Expansion: The growing expansion of renewable energy in regions like North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe increases demand for steel. The growing development of wind turbines, solar panels, tidal turbines, towers, and solar thermal systems requires steel.
• Growth in Stainless Steel: The increasing investment in the development of stainless steel in countries like China and India increases production of stainless steel. The growing demand for household products like railing & gates and the expansion of the food & beverage processing industry increase demand for stainless steel. 

Report Scope

Key Technological Shifts in the Steel Market:

The steel market is undergoing key technological shifts driven by the demand for performance efficiency, quality control, and predictive maintenance. Technological innovations like digital twins, IoT, precision rolling mills, robotics, big data & analytics, and 3D printing minimize downtime, increase productivity, and enhance safety.

One of the major transformations is the integration of artificial intelligence enables process optimization and predictive maintenance. AI predicts failures of machines and optimizes raw material blending processes. AI lowers the consumption of energy across all stages and detects microscopic defects in real-time. AI optimizes manufacturing processes like rolling, smelting, and casting. AI predicts potential hazards and enhances workplace safety. AI adjusts parameters like chemical composition, temperature, and pressure in real-time. Overall, AI helps in better inventory management, demand forecasting, and enhances quality control. 

• For instance, Nippon Steel uses AI for optimizing power consumption and detecting microscopic surface defects.  

Trade Analysis of Steel Market: Import & Export Statistics

• Vietnam exported 5,154,319 shipments of steel. 
• China exported $852M of steel bars in 2024. 
• The United States imported $583M of steel bars. 
• China exported $557M of steel wire in 2024. 
• Germany imported $286M of steel wire in 2024. 
• Japan exported $5.16B of flat flat-rolled steel in 2024.
• China exported $133M of alloy steel pipe or tubing, cold rolled in 2024. 

Steel Market Value Chain Analysis

• Feedstock Procurement : Feedstock procurement is the sourcing of raw materials like coal, steel scrap, iron ore, and limestone for the development of various steel products. 
  
  • Key Players:- Nippon Steel Corporation, JSW Steel, Steel Authority of India Ltd, ArcelorMittal, Tata Steel
• Chemical Synthesis and Processing:Chemical synthesis includes steps like ironmaking, primary steelmaking, like oxidation reactions & carbon removal, secondary steelmaking, such as deoxidation, desulfurization, alloying, & vacuum degassing. Chemical processing involves steps like casting, forming, heat treatment, and surface treatment.  
  
  • Key Players:- Dow, Ineos, Foseco, Mahavir Chemicals, BASF SE, SABIC
• Quality Testing and Certifications: Quality testing is the evaluation of properties like tensile strength, elongation, ductility, resistance, internal flaws, and chemical composition. Certification includes ISO 9001, EN Standards, BIS, and ASTM International. 
  
  • Key Players:- Intertek Group, TÜV SÜD, LRQA, SGS, Bureau Veritas, DNV

Melting Pots to Progress: Forging World Steel Titans 4x 6

Segmental Insights

Product Type Insights

Why Long Steel Segment Dominates the Steel Market?

The long steel segment dominated the steel market in 2025. The growing development of infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure increases demand for long steel. The increased manufacturing of car tires and car bodies increases demand for long steel products like wire rods & bars. The growing residential and commercial construction increases demand for long steel. The cost-effectiveness, versatility, and recyclability of long steel drives the overall market growth. 

The flat steel segment is the fastest-growing in the market during the forecast period. The growing demand for fuel-efficient cars and the increasing need for lightweight vehicle materials increase the adoption of flat steel. The expansion of renewable energy and the rise in renovation of infrastructure projects increase demand for flat steel. The construction applications, like reinforcement, structural frames, and roofing, require flat steel. The growing use of flat steel in applications like shipbuilding, electrical appliances, and packaging drives the overall market growth. 

The metallic coated steel is growing significantly in the market. The increasing investment in large-scale projects like smart cities, roads, and railways increases demand for metallic coated steel. The strong focus on enhancing the aesthetic appeal of products & buildings and the increasing need for lightweight materials for structural components, roofing, & facades increases demand for metallic coated steel, supporting the overall market growth. 

Manufacturing Process Insights

How did the Electric Arc Furnace Segment hold the Largest Share in the Steel Market?

The electric arc furnace (EAF) segment held the largest revenue share in the steel market in 2025. The strong focus on lowering greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency increases demand for the electric arc furnace. The ability of EAF to handle diverse raw materials and low capital investment helps market growth. The growing recycling of steel and the rise in the development of mini-mills increase demand for EAF, driving the overall market growth.   

The basic oxygen steelmaking (BOS) segment is experiencing the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. The growing production of diverse steel grades and the rise in integrated steel production increase demand for BOS. The lower production cost and exceptional speed of BOS help market growth. The increasing demand for high-quality steel and a strong focus on adaptability with integrated steel production require BOS, supporting the overall market growth. 

The ladle refining furnace (LRF) is growing at a significant rate in the market. The strong focus on achieving consistency in steel production and the increasing need for high-quality steels increase demand for the LRF. The growing demand for steel in applications like energy infrastructure, TMT bars, and automotive parts increases demand for LRF. The high efficiency and low overall production cost of LRF drives the overall market growth. 

End Use Insights

Which End Use Segment Dominated the Steel Market?

The construction segment dominated the steel market in 2025. The rapid urbanization and growing government investment in infrastructure projects like public facilities, roads, & bridges increase demand for steel. The growing development of commercial spaces and residential buildings requires steel. The strong focus on enhancing the longevity of construction and the adoption of sustainable building practices increases demand for steel. The growing use of steel products like prefabricated components, rebar, and structural beams drives the overall market growth.  

The automotive segment is the fastest-growing in the market during the forecast period. The rise in the rate of vehicle ownership and the growing production of vehicles increases demand for steel. The stringent vehicle safety standards and development of lightweight vehicle components require steel products like hot-stamped boron steel, AHSS, & UHSS. The growing expansion of electric vehicles increases demand for steel for the development of structural components and battery pack housing, supporting the overall market growth. 

The shipbuilding segment is growing significantly in the market. The rise in green shipping and stringent emission standards in shipping increases demand for steel. The strong focus on strengthening maritime security and strong government support for domestic shipbuilding increase demand for steel. The growing demand for specialized ships like offshore support vessels, ferries, and research vessels requires steel that supports the overall market growth. 

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific steel market size was valued at USD 0.94 Trillion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 1.47 Trillion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 4.57% from 2026 to 2035. Asia Pacific dominated the market in 2025.

The growing development of high-rise buildings and large-scale transportation projects increases demand for steel. The rising industrialization, especially in Southeast Asia, China, & India, and the rise in hybrid & electric vehicles require steel. The increasing adoption of consumer goods products like electronics & appliances, and a well-established manufacturing base, increases demand for steel. The high steel production and National Steel policies in countries like China & India drive the overall market growth.  

Steel Rivers: China at the Core of Steel Production

China is a major contributor to the market. The rapid urbanization and growing industrial activities require steel. The increasing investment in infrastructure projects like railways, roads, and bridges increases demand for steel. The extensive presence of large-scale steel plants and growing use of steel in sectors like infrastructure, machinery, construction, & automotive supports the overall market growth. 

• China exported 3,261,734 shipments of steel. 

North America Steel Market Trends

North America expects the fastest growth during the forecast period. The growing development of industrial & commercial projects and the rise in the upgradation of infrastructure increase demand for steel. The well-established automotive industry and the rise in adoption of electric vehicles increase demand for high-strength steels. The growing expansion of solar and wind power and the adoption of additive manufacturing increase demand for steel. The strong focus on sustainable practices and increasing use of EAF increases recycling of steel, supporting the overall market growth. 

Forging the Nation: How the United States Shapes Steel Infrastructure

The United States is a key contributor to the market. The growing investment in infrastructure projects like public transit systems, bridges, & roads, and the rise in the development of drilling & pipeline projects require steel. The growing non-residential and residential construction projects increase demand for steel. The well-established food industry requires stainless steel to be used in packaging equipment & food processing, driving the overall market growth.  

• The United States exported 1,300,389 shipments of steel. 

Europe Steel Market Trends

Europe is growing at a notable rate in the market. The growing construction of hydrogen pipelines and the rising expansion of offshore & onshore wind farms increase demand for steel. The increasing budget of defense and development of infrastructure projects like bridges & roads increases demand for steel. The growing use of recycled steel drives the overall market growth. 

From Industry to Innovation: Transformation of Steel in Germany 

Germany is growing substantially in the market. The growing government investment in infrastructure projects like bridges & roads increases demand for steel. The increasing expansion of offshore installations and the rise in the manufacturing of military equipment & weapons require steel. The expansion of hydrogen pipelines and the rapid growth in wind power increase demand for steel, supporting the overall market growth. 
Germany exported $3.69B of flat flat-rolled steel in 2023.

Middle East & Africa Steel Market Trends

The Middle East & Africa seen a significant growth in the market. The increasing government investments in commercial structures, building bridges, and highways increase demand for steel. The rapid urbanization and rise in industrial activities require steel. The growing expansion of energy and rise in production of vehicles increases demand for steel for purposes like power transmission and pipelines, driving the overall market growth. 

Beyond Oil: Saudi Arabia’s New Era of Steel 

Saudi Arabia is growing at a significant rate in the market. The growing construction of industrial, residential, and commercial buildings increases demand for steel. The increasing development of healthcare facilities and schools requires steel. The infrastructure projects like Qiddiya entertainment city & The Line, and initiatives like NIDLP support for the steel industry, increase production of steel, which drives the overall market growth.  

South America Steel Market Trends

South America is growing substantially in the market. The growing expansion of the automotive sector and increasing industrial manufacturing activities increase demand for steel for the development of various components. The strong government support for renewable energy projects and rising commercial & residential construction increase demand for steel. The development of infrastructure projects like ports, roads, and bridges requires steel, supporting the overall market growth. 

Land of Abundance: Rise of Steel Manufacturing in Brazil

Brazil is growing in the steel market. The presence of high-quality iron ore increases the production of steel. The growing installations of renewable energy and the development of infrastructure projects require steel. The rising agriculture sector increases demand for steel for the development of durable structures, fencing, and irrigation, driving the overall market growth.  

Recent Developments

• In March 2025, AKS launched the B700C-R steel bar for construction projects. The bar offers exceptional longevity, performance, and resilience. (Source: today.thefinancialexpress.com )
• In October 2025, SDI launched lower-embodied-carbon steel products, Edge and Bioedge. The products are manufactured using electric arc furnace technology and support decarbonization goals. The products are used across sectors like infrastructure, construction, and renewable energy. The product helps to achieve sustainability and lowers the emission of greenhouse gas.(Source: www.recyclingtoday.com )
• In June 2025, AM/NS India launched superior color-coated steel products, Optigal Pinnacle & Optigal Prime. The steel products are available for use in industries like home appliances, transportation, building, and furniture. The Optigal Prime is used in moderately corrosive conditions & urban areas, whereas Optigal Pinnacle is used in coastal & industrial environments.(Source: b2bpurchase.com )

Top Steel Market Companies List

Baosteel Group

Corporate Information

• Baosteel Group (Baoshan Iron & Steel and related entities) was the core before merging into China Baowu. 
  It is a state-owned enterprise under the Chinese central government. 
• China Baowu (the successor of Baosteel + its merger partners) is currently the world’s largest steel producer by volume.

History and Background

• The origins go to late 1970s: the steel plant in Baoshan district of Shanghai was established (by 1977/78) with technological support from abroad. 
• Over time, through the 1980s–1990s Baosteel added blast furnaces, expanded capacity, and grew significantly. 

Key Developments and Strategic Initiatives

• Historically, Baosteel pursued a transformation strategy: from “steel manufacturing” - “materials & manufacturing” - “service + global footprint.” That meant focusing on higher end steel materials, value-added processing, and global markets.

Mergers & Acquisitions

• 2016: Merger between Baosteel Group and Wuhan Iron & Steel Corporation creation of China Baowu Steel Group. 
• After 2016, under Baowu, integration continued absorbing other steelmakers, consolidating assets across China, rationalizing steel capacity and broadening product/market base. 

Partnerships & Collaborations

As part of its modernization and green steel push, Baosteel (Baowu) is working with technology/energy firms to enable low carbon steelmaking. For instance, a recent collaboration with Hitachi Energy to build transformative infrastructure for its “zero carbon” steel plant.

Product Launches / Innovations

• Baosteel (Baowu) has recently emphasized premiumization focusing on high-end products like automotive-grade cold-rolled sheets, silicon steel, specialty steels rather than just commodity steel. 
• The company also invested heavily in “smart manufacturing”: in 2023 alone, rolling out ~50 new intelligent production lines, deploying more than 200 robots, incorporating digital R&D platforms, smart management and smart marketing systems.

Key Technology Focus Areas

• The group invests significantly in R&D in 2023 R&D investment reached 5.68% of total revenue
• Its technological focus includes green/low carbon steelmaking, digitization and smart manufacturing, environmental protection (e.g. gas purification, wastewater “zero discharge”) and sustainable production. 

R&D Organisation & Investment

• Landmark: Building a “near zero carbon” steel mill / factory (e.g. the Zhanjiang plant) that will use electric arc furnaces (EAF) powered by green electricity and direct reduced iron (DRI) or scrap reducing reliance on traditional blast furnaces and heavy emissions.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

• Massive scale & global leadership: as part of Baowu, world’s largest steel producer. 
• Diversified product portfolio (flat steel, specialty steel, automotive grade, silicon steel, etc.) and value added manufacturing.

Weaknesses

• Heavy exposure to cyclicality and global steel demand heatmaps (construction, real estate, automotive). 
• Industry environment: overcapacity risks, fluctuations in raw material costs, steel price volatility.

Opportunities

• Growing demand for high end steels (automotive, infrastructure, energy, green technologies).
• Global push toward “green steel” low carbon production could become a differentiator.

Threats

• Global oversupply, price wars, trade tariffs and protectionism.
• Rising raw material costs or supply constraints (though sometimes beneficial if Baosteel has stable supply).

Recent News & Strategic Updates

• Baosteel reported strong 2023 results: total profit 15.09 Trillion yuan. 
• In 2023, the “premiumization” strategy focusing on high end products (automotive panels, silicon steel, differentiated steels) paid off: sales volume in that portfolio reached ~27.92 million tons, +10% YoY; cold rolled automotive sheets exceeded 9 million tons. 

Other Companies List

• ArcelorMittal: The steel and mining company manufactures steel products like AHSS, electrical steels, merchant bars, sheet piles, coated steels, wire rods, seamless pipes & others to serve industries like construction, packaging, automotive, and household appliances. 
• Emirates Steel: The Abu Dhabi-based company produces per year 3.5 million tonnes of steel, and its product range includes wire rod, sheet piles, rebar, & heavy sections. 
• JFE Steel Corporation: The Japanese steelmaking company produces diverse steel products like plates, shaped steel, stainless steel, sheets, pipes, shaped bar, electromagnetic steel sheets, specialty steels, and iron powder to support industries like shipbuilding, energy, automotive, and construction. 
• Nippon Steel Corporation: The Japan-based company leading producer of steel products like high-performance steel, railway parts, seamless pipes, and stainless steel to serve diverse sectors. 
• NUCOR
• Outokumpu
• POSCO
• Tata Steel
• Thyssenkrupp

Segments Covered

By Product Type

• Flat Steel
• Long Steel
• Metallic Coated Steel
• Pre-Engineered Steel
• Alloy Steel

By Manufacturing Process 

• Basic Oxygen Steelmaking
• Electric Arc Furnace
• Open Hearth Furnace
• Ladle Refining Furnace
• Continuous Casting

By End Use

• Construction
• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Shipbuilding
• Consumer Goods

By Region

• North America
  
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
• Middle East & Africa
  
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa