Kazakhstan increased steel production by 21.4% y/y in January

In January 2025, the metallurgical industry of Kazakhstan increased steel production by 21.4% compared to January 2024, to 359.4 thousand tons. Compared to the previous month, the figure remained unchanged. This is evidenced by the data of the Statistical Committee of the Ministry of Economy of Kazakhstan, Kallanish reports.

Production of flat products for the month increased by 27% compared to January 2023, and by 4.2% m/m to 239.87 thousand tons. Ferroalloy production increased by 5.1% y/y – to 190.68 thousand tons.

It is worth reminding that in 2024, Kazakhstan increased steel production by 9.5% compared to 2023, up to 4.17 million tons. Last year, flat products production increased by 18.2% compared to 2023 to 2.9 million tons.

In 2024, Qarmet Iron and Steel Works of Kazakhstan exceeded its production targets for iron by 15%, steel by 15%, coke by 18%, sinter by 12%, and in the long products shop by 17%. In December 2024, steel production amounted to 318.8 thousand tons, up 35.7% compared to December 2023.

The improved performance of the country’s key steelmaker has a positive impact on overall production. Qarmet plans to produce 3.7 million tons of steel in 2025. In January-October 2024, the plant produced 3 million tons of steel, which is equal to the annual production volume of 2023 (about 400 thousand tons in October).

Recently, Qarmet and China’s Xinxing Ductile Iron Pipes Co agreed to build a pig iron pipe plant in Kazakhstan. The projected capacity of the plant will be 200 thousand tons per year, and the total investment will be $161 million.

The company also signed a $1 billion agreement with China Metallurgical Group to establish long-term and comprehensive cooperation in the mining and metals industry.