The U.S. outpaced Japan in crude steel production for the first time in 26 years in 2025, becoming the world’s third-largest steel producer behind China and India. The United States produced 82.0 million tons of steel in 2025, up 3.1% from the previous year, according to the World Steel Association (WSA). This was the first time U.S. steel production outpaced Japan in 26 years, Nikkei Asia reported. US steel production exceeds Japan’s for first time in 26 years https://t.co/fCUBTT1HZJ — Nikkei Asia (@NikkeiAsia) January 26, 2026Japan produced 80.7 million tons of steel in 2025, a 4% decrease from 2024, according to the WSA. Japan’s previous levels of production surpassed 100 million tons in the 1970s but have fallen more recently, NHK World Japan reported.