Gothenburg, Sweden, June 1, 2026 – Global recycled steel consumption increased significantly in 2025 despite a decline in overall crude steel production, according to the newly released 17th edition of “World Steel Recycling in Figures” presented by the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) during the Ferrous Division meeting at the ongoing BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Gothenburg.The report, covering the period from 2021 to 2025, highlights the growing importance of steel recycling in supporting the global transition toward a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy.
Recycled Steel Consumption Increases 4.5%
According to BIR’s latest data, recycled steel usage across key countries and regions reached 480 million tonnes in 2025, representing a 4.5% increase compared to the previous year. This growth occurred despite a 2.5% decline in crude steel production, demonstrating the increasing role of recycled materials in steelmaking.
China retained its position as the world’s largest consumer of recycled steel, increasing its usage by 8.3% to 227 million tonnes, even as the country’s crude steel production fell by 4.4%.
India also delivered strong performance, recording notable growth in both recycled steel consumption and crude steel output, reinforcing its position as a key player in the global steel industry.
Recycling Supports Decarbonization Goals
Speaking at the event, BIR Ferrous Division Statistics Advisor Rolf Willeke emphasized the environmental benefits of steel recycling. Based on BIR and World Steel Association calculations, approximately 630 million tonnes of recycled steel are utilized annually in global steel production.
This contributes to the prevention of nearly 950 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, while also reducing energy consumption and conserving valuable natural resources.
The report further noted that global crude steel production declined by 1.9% in 2025 to approximately 1.85 billion tonnes. Of this total, 69.4% was produced using oxygen furnaces, while 30.3% came from electric arc furnaces, which rely more heavily on recycled steel feedstock.
Direct Reduced Iron Production Continues Growth
An important indicator of the industry’s green transition is the continued expansion of direct reduced iron (DRI) production. Global DRI output increased by 4.9% to approximately 153 million tonnes in 2025.
India remained the world’s leading DRI producer, recording a 7.4% increase to nearly 58.9 million tonnes, highlighting the country’s growing contribution to sustainable steelmaking technologies.
Turkey Remains Largest Recycled Steel Importer
Despite a decline in import volumes, Turkey maintained its position as the world’s largest recycled steel importer in 2025, importing 18.77 million tonnes.
The United States and the Netherlands remained Turkey’s primary suppliers, delivering 3.61 million tonnes and 2.76 million tonnes respectively.
India ranked second among global recycled steel importers, with imports totaling 8.04 million tonnes, primarily sourced from the United States and the United Kingdom.
Other markets witnessing strong growth in recycled steel imports included:
- European Union (+28.8%)
- United States (+5.1%)
- Pakistan (+39.8%)
Meanwhile, Taiwan and South Korea experienced notable declines in import volumes.
EU-27 Retains Position as Top Exporter
The European Union remained the world’s largest recycled steel exporter in 2025 despite a modest 2% decline in shipments to 16.68 million tonnes.
Turkey and Egypt continued to be the main destinations for EU recycled steel exports, while the Netherlands remained the bloc’s largest individual exporter.
The United States held its position as the second-largest exporter globally, although export volumes declined by 18.4%to 11.77 million tonnes.
Strong export growth was recorded by Japan, Mexico, Singapore and the United Kingdom, reflecting changing trade dynamics within the global scrap market.
Steel Recycling Remains Central to Circular Economy
The latest BIR figures underline the increasing importance of recycled steel as the steel industry accelerates its transition toward lower emissions and greater resource efficiency.
With recycled steel reducing carbon emissions, lowering energy requirements, and supporting circular economy objectives, industry leaders believe recycling will remain a critical pillar of sustainable steel production in the years ahead.