2017 World DRI Production at 87.1 Million Tons

World DRI production increased by more than 14 million metric tons (tons) over 2016, exceeding 87 million tons in 2017, according to data collected by Midrex Technologies, Inc. and audited by World Steel Dynamics. This significant increase is credited to the impact of new plants in Iran, Russia and USA, as well as improved conditions in Egypt and India. The greatest increases in DRI production were seen in India and Iran. Egypt, Russia, and USA also enjoyed significant gains. Although a few countries reported decreased production in 2017, most producing nations experienced at least modest increases.