Posted on 15 Jul 2025
In January-June 2025, Chinese steel enterprises increased steel exports by 9.2% compared to the same period in 2024, to 58.15 million tons. This was reported by the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) with reference to data from the Customs Service.
Steel imports to the Chinese market during the first half of the year decreased by 16.4% y/y – to 3.023 million tons. Sea deliveries of iron ore to China amounted to 592.2 million tons, which is 3% less y/y.
In June, the country’s steel enterprises shipped 9.68 million tons of steel for export, which is 8.5% less than in May. The average selling price of steel products was $687.1/ton, which is $10.8 less than in the previous month.
Steel imports last month amounted to 470,000 tons (-2.3% month-on-month), and the average import price was $1,710/ton (-2.2% month-on-month), while imports of raw materials increased by 8% month-on-month – to 105.95 million tons, and the average price fell by $3.3/ton – to $92.9/ton.
In the second quarter of 2025, China set a record for steel exports – 30.7 million tons, which is 11% more y/y. This result exceeded even the peak figures of ten years ago. Despite active protective measures by countries such as India, Vietnam, and the EU, Chinese exporters have found ways to adapt, in particular by supplying products that are not subject to tariffs and by reorienting themselves toward markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Significant growth has been recorded in exports of semi-finished products. Analysts expect that by the end of 2025, total steel exports from China could reach 125 million tons, even despite the likelihood of new restrictions being introduced.
The growth in exports is supported by imports of raw materials: in June, iron ore supplies reached their highest level this year. This reflects a stable level of production in the country, despite weak domestic demand, particularly as a result of the crisis in the real estate sector.
As GMK Center reported earlier, at the end of 2024, China reduced steel production by 1.7% compared to 2023, to 1.005 billion tons. At the same time, exports reached a record level of 110.72 million tons, which is 22.7% more than in 2023. The indicator continues to grow amid weak domestic consumption. Imports amounted to 6.8 million tons, down 10.5% y-o-y.
Source:GMK Center
