Steel has a vital and prominent role in Australia’s economic growth and prosperity. The industry has an annual turnover of around $30 billion and directly employs more than 125,000 Australians. Approximately 5.7 million metric tonnes of steel are produced in Australia each year. In excess of 1.5 million metric tonnes are imported annually. Australia´s export of iron and steel was worth US$1.5 billion during 2023, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. Since 1969 steel production in Australia has averaged 578,000 metric tonnes per month. It reached an all-time high of 819,000 metric tonnes in March of 1998 and a record low of 238,000 metric tonnes in March of 2009. Many downstream sectors rely heavily on steel.

As well as local steel manufacturers, importers and distributors, the Australian steel industry also encompasses fabrication activities. This involves the shaping of steel components to create products for construction and infrastructure, plus vital parts for the automotive and aerospace industries. Through its advanced manufacturing capabilities, Australia has established itself as a prominent player in the global metals market.

Australia´s abundant reserves of iron ore – the key ingredient in the steelmaking process – has allowed us to become the major supplier of that commodity to China, which in turn produces 60% of the world´s crude steel. This symbiotic relationship helps to secure our essential position in the global steel market.

Nowadays, as the search for “greener” steelmaking gathers pace, Australia is a leader in that innovative process. Likewise, thanks to a vast network of scrap metal merchants around the country, our ability to recycle steel is contributing to the sustainability of the vital steel and metals industries.