Global pig iron production experienced a slight downturn in May 2025, recording a total of 119.7 million tons—1.5% lower than the output in May 2024, according to data from the World Steel Association cited by Ukrmetprom. Despite the year-on-year decrease, the figure marked a 2.1% increase compared to April 2025, indicating a modest rebound in short-term production activity.

Of the total pig iron produced in May, 107.2 million tons were derived via the traditional blast furnace method. This represents a 3.1% decline year-on-year but a 2% uptick from the previous month. The direct reduction method accounted for 12.5 million tons, reflecting a 6.7% drop from May 2024, while climbing 2.5% from April levels.

Over the first five months of 2025, global pig iron output stood at 583.28 million tons, down 0.3% compared to the same period the previous year. During this period, blast furnaces contributed 529.78 million tons and direct reduction methods produced 53.5 million tons. The overall figures highlight ongoing volatility in steelmaking raw materials, influenced by fluctuating demand and evolving energy and market conditions worldwide.