Apparent steel consumption (taking into account total production, imports and exports of steel) in EU countries in 2026 could increase by 1.3%, to 134 million tons, Eurofer predicts. In 2027, consumption could reach 135 million tons.
The association notes that growth is mainly due to the exceptionally low base of previous years, rather than a recovery in demand: even with the expected increase in European steel consumption, it will remain at levels well below pre-pandemic levels - by about 11 million tons in 2026 and by 9 million tons in 2027.
In 2025, according to preliminary data from the European Manufacturers Association steel, apparent steel consumption increased by 2.4% to 132 million tons. The share of imports in 2025 in EU countries amounted to 29% of total consumption, which is 2 percentage points higher. higher than in 2024.
