Global direct reduced iron (DRI) production in 2025 reached a new record of 151.0 million tons (Mt), surpassing the previous record of 140.8 Mt set in 2024 by 10.2 Mt, or 7.2%. Since 2020, worldwide DRI production has increased by 46.2 Mta (44.0%), reflecting continued growth in both gas-based shaft furnace and coal-based rotary kiln production.
MIDREX® Plants produced a record 82.3 Mt of DRI during 2025, exceeding the prior record of 76.2 Mt in 2024 by 6.1 Mt, or 8.0%. The MIDREX® Process supplied 54.5% of total global DRI production and accounted for 81.5% of all shaft furnace DRI output worldwide.
Each year Midrex Technologies, Inc. compiles and publishes World Direct Reduction Statistics as a resource for the global iron and steel industry. World Steel Dynamics (WSD) audits the data collection and preparation processes used by Midrex to confirm that the methodology and accuracy of the data to be published is representative of the global direct reduction industry in a given year.
