Czech crude steel production rose 4% year-on-year in Q1 2025 to 670,000 tonnes, while apparent steel consumption edged up 1.5% to 1.39 million tonnes. This modest rebound follows a historically weak 2024, when output fell to 2.44 million tonnes—its lowest level since the 2009 financial crisis.
Production gains were uneven: long products rose 2%, flats 5%, and pipe output surged 41%. However, the recovery is largely attributed to the low base caused by Liberty Ostrava’s shutdown last year.
Exports increased 9% to 907,000 tonnes, and imports climbed 10% to 1.84 million tonnes. Despite these improvements, the sector continues to face headwinds: weak demand, high energy costs, strict climate regulations, and geopolitical uncertainty.
Industry leaders are urging policymakers to move beyond diagnostics and implement concrete support measures to ensure the sector’s long-term viability.
