According to World Steel Association, Africa’s crude steel production increased by 11.5% year-on-year to 2.1 million tons in April 2026. In the January–April 2026 period, output rose by 8.7% to 8.4 million tons. Despite this recovery, current production capacity remains insufficient to meet rising domestic demand, strengthening the region’s position as a net importer.
Steel demand across Africa increased by 16.1% in 2025, reaching 36.28 million tons, and is expected to grow by a further 4.4% in 2026 to 37.89 million tons. This outlook reflects continued structural demand growth driven mainly by infrastructure investment and construction activity.
However, production continues to lag behind demand growth. The April recovery alone remains insufficient to close the widening gap between supply and demand.
South Africa at the Center of Regional Pressure
In South Africa, the continent’s largest industrial economy, a notable weakening trend was observed in 2026. Crude steel production declined by 14.4% to 1.34 million tons, with output in April recorded at approximately 365 thousand tons.
Low-priced imports, particularly from China, continue to increase pressure on domestic producers. Falling import prices are weighing on domestic market levels, compressing producer margins, and further exposing structural competitiveness challenges in the sector.
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