Steel is a strong metal used all over the world to build houses, bridges, cars and machines. Many countries make and sell steel to other nations. Exporting steel helps countries earn money and grow their industries. Some countries export more steel than others. In this article, we will learn about the top-5 steel exporting countries in the world.
Steel Production in the World
In 2024, the world produced around 1.839 billion tons of crude steel, which was slightly less than in 2023. China stayed the top steel producer, making over half of the world’s total steel due to its large factories and high demand.
Top-5 Steel Exporting Countries in the World in 2025
Steel is an important material used in building, cars, machines and many other things. Some countries produce and export a large amount of steel to meet the world’s needs.
Here are the names of top-5 steel exporting countries in the world in 2025:
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- Germany
- Russia
China’s, World’s Largest Steel Exporter
China is the number one exporter of steel in the world. In 2025, it exported around 66 million tonnes of steel. China has huge steel factories and makes more steel than any other countries. Because of this, it sends steel to many countries across the globe.
Japan
Japan comes second in steel exports with 32 million tonnes. Japanese steel is known for its excellent quality and technology. Many countries buy steel from Japan for making high-end products like cars and electronics.
South Korea
South Korea exported 27 million tonnes of steel in 2025. The country has a strong steel industry that serves both Asia and other global markets. Korean steel is used in buildings, ships and many industrial products.
Germany
Germany is the top steel exporter in Europe with 22 million tonnes. German steel is famous for being specialized and high in value, used in machinery and advanced construction projects.
Russia
Russia exported 20 million tonnes of steel in 2025. Despite facing challenges due to political issues, Russia continues to send steel to different parts of the world, looking for new markets for its products.