The changes in the world-wide iron production in the past decades are described and the forecasts 20 years ago for the evolution and development of alternative iron ore reduction processes recalled. The replacements of blast furnaces shares in iron production by alternative ways to produce steel — the direct reduction and smelting reduction processes anticipated at that time did not become reality. World crude steel production and metallic charge as well as world hot metal production are analyzed and forecast. Coke production in Germany and coke consumption by German steel industry in 1980, 1990 and 2009 are compared. Geography of iron ore import for the German iron and steel enterprises is considered based on 2009 statistic data: the main importer is Brazil (47.5%). Number and location of blast furnaces in Germany in 1985 and 2010 are displayed. Forecasts and real state of things for DRI and HBI, Corex and Finex metal production are shown. Consumption of reducing agents of the German blast furnaces since 1950 is examined. For the location Germany and Europe the production route blast furnace/oxygen converter is confronted with big challenges regarding the increasing pressure by the emission trading penalization. Development prospects of the German iron and steel industry are formulated, taking into account required measures for environment protection and efficient power consumption.

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