German steel production saw a 5% increase in 2024, reaching a total of 37.2 million tonnes, according to the national steel federation WV Stahl. Despite this growth, production levels remain below the 40-million-ton threshold for the third consecutive year, indicating that the industry is still operating below historic norms.

Economic indicators suggest a challenging environment for the German steel sector, with demand remaining critically low and market supply hitting historic lows. The annual total of finished products was 27 million tonnes, a 7% decrease compared to 2023. Since 2017, the German market has lost one-third of its previous volume, contrasting with overseas economies and other industrial EU nations.

Kerstin Maria Rippel, Managing Director of WV Stahl, emphasized the need for policy measures to support the industry. She highlighted the impact of low-priced imports and uncompetitive electricity costs, which imposed extra costs of €300 million for steelmakers last year. Rippel called on policymakers to take action to restore Germany's position as an industrial powerhouse.

The federation also noted that crude steel production on the oxygen-route rose by 3.3% to 26.4 million tonnes, while electric arc furnace (EAF) production increased by 10.2% to 10.8 million tonnes. However, EAF production fell by 3.1% in December 2024 due to peaking power prices.