Electric arc furnace (EAF) steel production accounted for 29.1% of global steel output in 2024, up from 28.6% the previous year, according to the World Steel Association. Total global steel production reached 1.885 billion tons, with blast furnace steelmaking still dominant at 70.4% of the total, equating to 1.325 billion tons. EAF production contributed 548.4 million tons.
China remained the top steel producer, generating 1.005 billion tons, with the oxygen process making up 89.8% and EAF production limited to 10.2%. In contrast, the US produced 71.8% of its steel using EAFs, while countries such as India, Iran, and Egypt exceeded 50%, with some reaching full reliance on the method.
European Union steel production totaled 129.7 million tons, with EAF accounting for 44.4%, a slight decline from 44.8% in 2023. Italy recorded one of the highest EAF shares among developed nations at 89.3%.
The increasing use of EAFs reflects a broader industry push toward lower-emission steel production, as the method significantly reduces CO2 output. Analysts expect this trend to continue alongside global decarbonization efforts. Meanwhile, global steel exports rose by 3.3% to 449.2 million tons, with China maintaining its lead at 117.1 million tons.
