France cut steel production by 12.8% y/y in January

In January 2025, French steelmakers reduced steel production by 12.8% compared to January 2024, to 755 thousand tons. Thus, the country fell to 19th place in the global ranking of steel producing countries (69) by the WorldSteel Association.

The country’s production volumes increased slightly by 0.3% compared to the previous month.

In 2024, French steelmakers increased steel production by 7.6% compared to 2023, to 10.76 million tons. The figure recovered after a significant drop of 17.5% in 2023.

The average monthly steel production in 2024 amounted to 896.25 thousand tons, while in 2023 it was 833 thousand tons, and in 2022 – 1.01 million tons.

In general, steel production in the EU countries increased by 2.6% in 2024 compared to 2023 to 129.5 million tons. Global steel production for the year amounted to 1.84 billion tons, down 0.9% year-on-year.

There are 11 steel mills in France, including ArcelorMittal Dunkerque (2.25 million tons of steel per year), Saarstahl Ascoval Saint-Saulve (730 thousand tons per year), LME Trith-Saint-Léger (820 thousand tons per year), Ascometal Hagondange (825 thousand tons per year), Riva Sam Neuves-Maisons (850 thousand tons per year), Riva Sam Neuves-Maisons (850 thousand tons per year), Riva Sam Montereau (720 kt/y), Riva Alpa Gargenville (700 kt/y), Riva Iton Seine Bonnieres Sur Seine (550 kt/y), Celsa France Boucau (1.2 million t/y), ArcelorMittal Méditerranée Fos sur Mer (2.55 million t/y), Ascometal Fos sur Mer (900 kt/y). The total capacity of the plants is 12.09 million tons per year.