Salzgitter increased steel output by 1.4% y/y in Q1

Volumes reached 1.27 million tons, which supported the company's profit growth

According to Q1 2026 results, Germany’s Salzgitter AG improved its production performance and increased steel output, laying the groundwork for a recovery in financial results. This is stated in the company’s report.

Steel production for the period rose by 1.4% year-on-year to 1.27 million tons. Specifically, the Salzgitter Flachstahl division produced 1.02 million tons (+2.0%), while Peiner Träger produced 255,900 tons (-1.0%). Rolled steel production increased by 2.7% year-on-year to 1.16 million tons, including 945,200 tons of flat products (+2.6%) and 213,100 tons of beams (-10.2%).

Shipments remained nearly stable at 1.46 million tons (-0.8% y-o-y), reflecting subdued demand in key markets. At the same time, the order backlog grew by 4.8% year-on-year – to 1.24 million tons, and new orders reached 1.41 million tons (+6.8% year-on-year), indicating a gradual market recovery.

Against this backdrop, the company’s financial results improved significantly. External revenue rose by 0.7% year-on-year – to €2.35 billion. EBITDA jumped more than 2.5-fold to €195.9 million, while EBIT stood at €121 million compared to nearly zero a year earlier. The company also returned to profitability, posting €81.9 million in net profit compared to a loss of €34.6 million in the first quarter of 2025.

Lower raw material and energy costs, as well as the impact of an efficiency improvement program that contributed €43 million, made a significant contribution to the improved results. At the same time, the stake in Aurubis had a positive impact.

In 2026, Salzgitter expects further growth in its performance. The company forecasts EBITDA of €625–725 million and improved profitability, despite ongoing geopolitical risks and subdued demand in key markets.

As a reminder, Salzgitter AG reduced steel production by 8% year-on-year in 2025, to 5.9 million tons. The group’s external sales last year fell to €9 billion from €10 billion in 2024 due to lower average prices for steel products and the deconsolidation of the stainless steel pipe business. EBITDA for the period declined to €376 million from €445 million a year earlier.