The world stainless association has released figures for the first quarter of 2026, showing the total stainless steel melt shop production was 15.8 million tonnes, an increase of 2.5% compared to the first quarter of 2025.

Asia produced 13.4 million tonnes, an increase of 3.3% compared to Q1 2025. The European Union produced 1.5 million tonnes, which is a decrease of 4.6%. The United States produced 0.6 million tonnes, an increase of 2.3%. Other countries produced 0.3 million tonnes, which is an increase of 6.7%.