The 10 Leading Steel Producers Worldwide

Curious about the largest steel producers in the world? China dominates the global steel sector with a multitude of steel companies, underscoring its significant presence. Additionally, major players hail from Luxembourg, Japan, South Korea, and India, contributing to the diverse landscape of steel production worldwide.

This article will shed light on the leading players in the global steel industry and the countries they are headquartered in.

1. China Baowu Group 

The Chinese state-owned company Baowu stands out as the world’s largest steel producer, boasting a production of 131.84 million tons last year. Furthermore, it’s actively investing in iron ore mines, teaming up with Rio Tinto’s global mining unit in Guinea for the colossal Simandou project.

2. ArcelorMittal

Based in Luxembourg, ArcelorMittal churned out 68.89 million tons of steel last year, securing its position as the second-largest producer. However, the company sold its operations in Kazakhstan, and back in November. The company is also planning to shut down its long steel operations in the South Africa unit due to sluggish demand and ongoing infrastructure challenges.

3. Ansteel

Ansteel Group was formed in May 2010 by merging Anshan Iron and Steel Group Corporation with Panzhihua Iron and Steel Group Co Ltd. Anshan Iron and Steel Group Corporation, China’s first major steel producer, played a key role in the country’s economic development and steel industry growth. The company produced 55.65 million tons of crude steel last year and is the country’s leading supplier of metal for the railway and naval sectors.

4. Nippon Steel Corporation

Nippon Steel from Japan is one of the biggest steel producers globally, making 44.37 million tons last year. With the acquisition of U.S. Steel, adding 20 million tons to its existing 66 million, it became a major supplier to the U.S. car industry. U.S. Steel itself made 14.49 million tons of steel last year.

5. Shagang

Jiangsu Shagang Group is a major player in China’s steel industry, headquartered in Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province. It’s received various awards, including “Nationwide Customer Satisfaction Enterprise,” “China Grade AAA Enterprise for Quality, Service, and Reputation,” and “National Innovation-oriented Enterprise.” Last year, the company produced 41.45 million tons of steel.

6. HBIS

Last year, the Chinese state-owned company HBIS Group churned out 41 million tons of crude steel. This way, it secured its position as China’s leading steel producer of appliances and the second-largest supplier of automotive steel products.

7. POSCO Holdings

POSCO is South Korea’s biggest steel producer, with main production sites in Pohang and Gwangyang. They also set up the first blast furnace in Southeast Asia, in Indonesia, in partnership with Krakatau Steel. POSCO Holdings produced 38.64 million tons of crude steel last year.

8. Jianlong

Jianlong Steel holds the title of being the largest privately-owned enterprise in Tangshan, Hebei province, China. It emerged in 2000 from the brink of bankruptcy as the successor to Zunhua Steel. Last year, the company produced 36.56 million tons of crude steel. 

9. Shougang Group

The state-owned Chinese company Shougang Group churned out 33.82 million tons of crude steel last year. It serves as a key supplier of automotive sheets to major car manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

10. Tata Steel

Last year, Tata Steel from India manufactured 30.18 million tons of crude steel. It ranks among Europe’s major steel producers, operating facilities in both the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.