Steel production in the Czech Republic grew by 2% y/y in 1H2025

Steel production in the Czech Republic in the first half of 2025 showed moderate growth after several years of sharp decline – by 2% compared to the same period in 2024, to about 1.3 million tons. This is evidenced by data from the Ocelářská unie steel union.

Czech metallurgists produced 1.04 million tons of pig iron during the period, up 1.8% year-on-year. Apparent steel consumption in the country reached about 3.2 million tons, which is almost 300,000 tons more than last year.

The production of rolled metal products is also growing, rising by an average of 3% year-on-year to 1.45 million tons. In particular, the production of long products amounted to 990,000 tons (+3.2% year-on-year), and flat products – 282,000 tons (+6.4% year-on-year). The only category that stands out is pipe production, which is showing high growth rates – 38% y/y, to 167 thousand tons.

However, despite the positive dynamics, the figures are still far from the level observed before the downturn. The association notes that the basis for comparison was very low, which makes it easier to demonstrate recovery.

Among the problems that continue to hold back the industry are weak demand for steel products, unstable markets, high energy prices, and pressure on manufacturers due to the need to invest in the decarbonization of production processes.

Steel imports to the Czech Republic in January-June increased significantly to about 3.85 million tons (+13.6% y/y), which is almost 460,000 tons more than a year ago. Rolled steel exports also increased, but not as significantly, from 1.6 to 1.8 million tons (+12.5% y/y).

According to experts at Ocelářská unie, although the growth is a positive sign for the industry, it is more of a correction after the decline than a real recovery to the previous level. To stabilize and grow, it is necessary to support domestic demand, reduce energy costs, and promote investment in technologies that meet environmental standards.

Earlier, the Czech Steelworkers’ Union sharply criticized the European Commission’s proposed climate target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040. The industry association believes that this target is unrealistic even under the most favorable conditions and threatens the ultimate decline of EU industry.