Belgium increased steel production by 3.4% m/m in October

In October 2025, Belgian steel enterprises increased steel production by 3.4% compared to the previous month, to 600 thousand tons. Compared to October 2024, the figure decreased by 4.5%. Thus, the country ranks 23rd in the WorldSteel Association’s global ranking of steel-producing countries.

In January-October, Belgian steelmakers produced 5.9 million tons of steel, which is 1.1% less than in the same period last year.

In general, EU steel companies reduced steel production by 3.5% y/y in October 2025 to 10.8 million tons, and by 3.2% y/y in January-October to 105.7 million tons.

As GMK Center reported earlier, at the end of 2024, Belgium increased steel production by 21.1% compared to 2023, to 7.1 million tons, the highest level since 2019.

The sharp increase in steel production was due, in particular, to the recovery of European industry, the stabilization of energy markets, and growth in orders in the construction and automotive sectors. The expansion of electric arc furnace capacity, in line with the decarbonization policy, also played an important role.

After a sharp recovery last year, the industry faced a decline in production in 2025. The main reasons were weaker demand from the automotive and construction sectors, instability in energy markets, and fierce competition from cheaper imported products. Additional pressure is exerted by high electricity costs, which are particularly significant for electric arc furnaces, which account for most of Belgium’s steel production.

There are four steel mills in the country, including one blast furnace in Ghent (annual capacity of 2.5 million tons of steel) and three electric arc furnaces: two in Charleroi (1 million tons and 800,000 tons) and one in Genk (1.2 million tons). These are owned by ArcelorMittal, Aperam, and Riva.