France increased steel production to an 11-month high in October

In October 2025, French steel enterprises increased steel production by 28.4% compared to the previous month, to 937 thousand tons, the maximum since November 2024. Compared to the same month in 2024, the figure fell by 4.5%. Thus, the country ranks 19th in the WorldSteel Association’s global ranking of steel-producing countries (70).

French steel producers were able to increase production to almost an annual high despite an incident at the ArcelorMittal plant in Fos-sur-Mer. The fire shut down blast furnace No. 2, at least until December, as previously reported. October figures show a revival in demand after the summer slump, while in September, production was at its lowest level in recent years.

During January-October, the industry produced 8.21 million tons of steel, which is 9.2% less than in January-October last year. Average monthly steel production fell to 821,200 tons compared to 904,000 tons a year earlier.

Overall, EU steelmakers reduced steel production by 3.5% y-o-y in October 2025 to 10.8 million tons, and by 3.2% y-o-y in January-October to 105.7 million tons.

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

Average monthly steel production in 2024 was 896,250 tons, while in 2023 it was 833,000 tons, and in 2022 it was 1.01 million tons.

There are 11 steel enterprises 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 (825,000 tons/year), Riva Sam Neuves-Maisons (850,000 tons/year), Riva Sam Montereau (720,000 tons/year), Riva Alpa Gargenville (700,000 tons/year), Riva Iton Seine Bonnieres Sur Seine (550,000 tons/year), Celsa France Boucau (1.2 million tons/year), ArcelorMittal Méditerranée Fos sur Mer (2.55 million tons/year), Ascometal Fos Sur Mer (900,000 tons/year). The total capacity of steel production plants reaches 12.09 million tons per year.