For the fourth year in a row, production remained well below the threshold of 40 million tons, which is considered necessary for adequate utilization of installed capacity. Since 2018, this benchmark has been missed six times, underscoring that the industry continues to operate in a recession.
Weak demand and sustained structural pressure
Demand conditions remained subdued throughout the year. According to preliminary data until October 2025, apparent steel consumption in Germany is estimated at about 30 million tons for the entire year, which is again lower than the already low average in recent years.
According to W. V. Stahl, weak performance reflects deep-rooted structural pressures. Kerstin Maria Rippel, CEO of WV Stahl, said that historically weak demand, sustained import pressures and internationally uncompetitive energy prices are converging in the industry at the same time. Although policy responses have been discussed at both German and EU levels, she warned that implementation has not yet materialized and stressed that 2026 must be crucial to protect Germany's industrial base.
