Salzgitter increased steel output by 1.4% y/y in Q1

According to Q1 2026 results, Germany’s Salzgitter AG improved its production performance and increased steel output, laying the groundwork for a recovery in financial results. This is stated in the company’s report.

Steel production for the period rose by 1.4% year-on-year to 1.27 million tons. Specifically, the Salzgitter Flachstahl division produced 1.02 million tons (+2.0%), while Peiner Träger produced 255,900 tons (-1.0%). Rolled steel production increased by 2.7% year-on-year to 1.16 million tons, including 945,200 tons of flat products (+2.6%) and 213,100 tons of beams (-10.2%).

Shipments remained nearly stable at 1.46 million tons (-0.8% y-o-y), reflecting subdued demand in key markets. At the same time, the order backlog grew by 4.8% year-on-year – to 1.24 million tons, and new orders reached 1.41 million tons (+6.8% year-on-year), indicating a gradual market recovery.

Against this backdrop, the company’s financial results improved significantly. External revenue rose by 0.7% year-on-year – to €2.35 billion. EBITDA jumped more than 2.5-fold to €195.9 million, while EBIT stood at €121 million compared to nearly zero a year earlier. The company also returned to profitability, posting €81.9 million in net profit compared to a loss of €34.6 million in the first quarter of 2025.

Lower raw material and energy costs, as well as the impact of an efficiency improvement program that contributed €43 million, made a significant contribution to the improved results. At the same time, the stake in Aurubis had a positive impact.

In 2026, Salzgitter expects further growth in its performance. The company forecasts EBITDA of €625–725 million and improved profitability, despite ongoing geopolitical risks and subdued demand in key markets.

As a reminder, Salzgitter AG reduced steel production by 8% year-on-year in 2025, to 5.9 million tons. The group’s external sales last year fell to €9 billion from €10 billion in 2024 due to lower average prices for steel products and the deconsolidation of the stainless steel pipe business. EBITDA for the period declined to €376 million from €445 million a year earlier.