Vietnam has entered the world’s top 10 steel-producing countries for the first time after surpassing Italy in crude steel output, according to the World Steel Association. The Southeast Asian country produced 2.1 million tons of crude steel during the latest reporting period, a 4% increase. 

Vietnam’s crude steel production climbed 8.4% to 8.5 million tons from January to April 2026. Meanwhile, Iran fell from the top 10 to 12th place after disruptions caused by attacks on major steel facilities. 

The Vietnam Steel Association attributed the achievement to the industry’s rapid modernization and expanded product range. Once reliant on imported billets, Vietnam now manufactures a range of value-added steel products, including engineering steel, bolt and screw steel, spring steel, and rail steel.