For the first time in at least 25 years, China saw a dip in its steel output. Their steel production fell 2.3 percent from the year before to hit 803.83 million metric tonnes, the steel production for December also took a big hit, declining 5.2 percent from 2014.

The fall was not necessarily unexpected as weakening global demand as well as a surplus of steel hampered the outlook for steel in the coming year. Mills in China are still largely responsible for half the world’s global supply but face the threat of lessening domestic demand as well.

Much like how the rise of steel signalled China’s ascent as an economic powerhouse, the recent dip is happening in tandem with a worldwide economic slowdown, as well as China’s own economic troubles.