According to the World Steel Association, global direct reduced iron (DRI) production across the 12 primary manufacturing countries amounted to 10.24 million metric tons in a single month. India maintained its position as the undisputed global leader in this segment, recording a massive DRI output of 5.37 million metric tons. Iran followed as the second-largest producer with 2 million metric tons, while Russia and Egypt generated 750,000 metric tons and 603,000 metric tons, respectively, highlighting the expanding footprint of gas-based and coal-based DRI technologies outside of conventional blast furnace routes.

War damage to Iran’s key steel mills threatens ~14 Mt of capacity, sharply reducing crude steel output and exportable supply. While domestic demand remains relatively stable, energy shortages and logistics disruptions amplify losses, tightening regional supply, supporting semi-finished steel prices, and reshaping trade flows.