World leading steel importers in 2025, by country (in million metric tons)

In 2025, the European Union (EU27) was the leading steel importer, importing **** million metric tons. The United States ranked second with steel imports totaling **** million metric tons. Italy and Germany placed third and fourth, respectively, each importing over ** million metric tons of steel.

World Steel Recycling

Both steel and the residues utilized in its production process are highly recyclable. In detail, three-quarters of the energy required for primary steel manufacturing can be saved through recycling activities. To decarbonize the industry for net-zero targets, utilizing recyclable materials is vital. In 2022, seven significant markets alone used about ***** million metric tons of steel scrap for steelmaking. In 2023, Turkey was the world's largest steel scrap importer, with approximately ****  million metric tons.