Fact-check · Sep 28, 2026 · Donald Trump
“For the first time in twenty six years. The United States has surpassed Japan in steel production.”
TRUE
What the record shows
World Steel Association data confirms US produced 82.0 million metric tons of crude steel in 2025, surpassing Japan's 80.7 million metric tons—the first time in 26 years (since 1999).
Sources
- US Surpasses Japan in Steel Production, Claiming No. 3 Global Spot in 2025 | Roic News
- US steel production exceeds Japan's for first time in 26 years - Nikkei Asia
- US steel production surpasses Japan for first time since 1999 amid tariffs
- U.S. Moves Up to No. 3 in Global Steel Output in 2025 - Metal Center News - Solutions for Profitable Distribution
- US Overtakes Japan In Steel Production For First Time In 26 Years | The Daily Caller
- US steel production now EXCEEDS JAPAN for the first ti...
From: President Trump Makes an Announcement, Sep. 28, 2026
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