Global steel producer ArcelorMittal is considering the construction of a second electric arc furnace at its plant in Calvert (Alabama, USA). This was announced by the group’s Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Genuino Cristino, during a conference on the company’s financial results, according to Steel Market Update.
Steel production at the first electric arc furnace in Calvert began back in June 2025. According to Cristino, the company is continuing to explore the possibility of building a second EAF at this site, building on the successful implementation of the first project.
Daniel Fairclough, Head of Investor Relations and Vice-President of Corporate Finance, noted that the first electric arc furnace is expected to reach full capacity in the second half of 2026. According to him, the unit is the first and only facility capable of producing the most sought-after grades of steel for automotive body panels.
Fairclough believes that the construction of a second EAF will reduce Calvert’s reliance on imported slabs.
As stated in the relevant ArcelorMittal report, this move would help expand the plant’s domestic steel production capacity and strengthen its presence in the US market.
ArcelorMittal Calvert produces 5.3 million tonnes of flat steel products annually.
It should be noted that, for the first half of 2026, ArcelorMittal reduced its steel output by 5.5% year-on-year – to 27.6 million tonnes. In the second quarter, the figure stood at 14.3 million tonnes, which is 7.5% higher quarter-on-quarter and slightly below the figure of 14.4 million tonnes for the same period in 2025. Deliveries of steel products in January–June this year reached 26.2 million tonnes (-4.3% year-on-year).