Exclusive France reduced steel production by 20.6% y/y in May

Between January and May, French steelmakers reduced production by 2.8% y/y

In May 2025, French steel enterprises reduced steel production by 20.6% compared to May 2024, to 800 thousand tons. Thus, the country ranks 17th in the global ranking of steel-producing countries (69) by the WorldSteel Association.

Compared to the previous month, smelting volumes decreased by 10.4%. During January-May, the industry produced 4.28 million tons of steel, which is 2.8% less than in January-May last year. Average monthly steel production fell to 856,600 tons compared to 885,800 tons a year earlier.

Overall, EU steel companies reduced steel production by 3.1% y/y in May 2025 – to 11.4 million tons, and by 2.5% y/y in January-May – to 54.9 million tons.

It should be recalled that at the end of 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 amounted to 896,250 tons, while in 2023 these volumes amounted to 833,000 tons, and in 2022 – 1.01 million tons.

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 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.