Italy’s Steel Production Falls to Annual Low in August 2025

Italy’s Steel Production Hits 2025 Low Despite Year-to-Date Growth

Italian steelmakers scaled back production in August 2025 to just 821,000 tons, marking the lowest monthly steel output of the year. According to data from Federacciai, cited by SteelOrbis, production dropped 52.4% compared to July. However, output still showed a 7.3% increase year-over-year, highlighting August 2024’s weaker performance.

From January to August, Italy’s total steel production reached 13.66 million tons, a 3% increase from the same period in 2024. This upward trajectory reflects relative resilience in Italy’s steel industry, despite fluctuating monthly figures. The August decline appears driven by seasonal slowdowns and subdued industrial demand across Europe.

Flat steel output in August plummeted to 289,000 tons, down from 732,000 tons in July. Long steel production also dipped sharply to 437,000 tons, compared to 1.1 million tons the previous month. Still, both segments recorded year-over-year increases, suggesting underlying market stability across early 2025.

Construction Lifts Long Steel; Auto Sector Weighs on Flat Steel

The long products segment showed surprising strength through 2025, aided by sustained demand from the construction industry. From January to August, Italy produced 8 million tons of long steel, a 2.7% increase year-over-year. This segment also ended 2024 with a minimal decline of 0.2%, underscoring the stability of infrastructure-related demand.

In contrast, flat rolled steel output remains under pressure. High volumes of low-cost imports and a sluggish automotive sector have dragged the segment down. August’s flat steel output was 30% lower than August 2024, though year-to-date production still rose 4% to 5.9 million tons. The 9.7% drop in flat steel output in 2024 highlights this segment’s vulnerability to broader industrial cycles.

Overall, Italy’s steel production trends mirror broader European dynamics. The EU’s steel output grew 2.6% in 2024, reaching 129.5 million tons, while global steel production fell slightly by 0.9% to 1.84 billion tons. Italy’s comparative recovery suggests strategic domestic demand and production adjustments.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Italy’s August steel figures paint a clear picture of seasonal slowdown against a backdrop of moderate recovery. The construction sector continues to underpin long steel demand, while automotive and industrial stagnation weigh on flat steel. Looking ahead, import competition and energy prices will remain pivotal variables. However, if infrastructure investments accelerate under Italy’s national recovery plans, long product producers could see sustained growth. Meanwhile, flat steelmakers must innovate or shift product focus to navigate ongoing industrial headwinds.