Posted on 08 Aug 2025
China's steel exports demonstrated solid resilience over the first seven months of 2025, with the total export volume jumping by 11.4% on year to hit 67.98 million tonnes, still on a record high for the same period in historical years, according to the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs (GACC) on August 7.
For July alone, the country's steel exports reached 9.84 million tonnes, up 1.6% from June and 25.6% higher than July 2024, Mysteel Global calculated based on the Customs data. Market insiders attributed the sharp on-year rise to a low base in the same period last year.
Most of the steel shipments in July were based on orders placed in May, when prices of Chinese steel products were rather competitive in global markets. For instance, as of May 31, the export price of SS400 3.00mm hot-rolled coil from North China's Tianjin port was assessed by Mysteel at $455/t FOB, about $70/t cheaper than comparable offers from Japanese mills at that time.
This price edge helped Chinese mills secure a wave of export orders in late spring, Mysteel Global understands.
However, market observers warned that China's steel export momentum is facing increasing pressure. As most overseas markets have now entered their seasonal demand lull, international steel prices are weakening, undermining support for new export deals.
Moreover, the external trading environment remains complex and challenging. Global trade protectionism continues to rise, with more regions introducing safeguard measures or anti-dumping probes targeting Chinese steel products. This is expected to weigh on China's steel export outlook in the coming months, sources added.
Meanwhile, China's steel imports dropped significantly over January-July to 3.48 million tonnes, shrinking by 15.7% on year. Steel imports in July stood at 452,000 tonnes, down by 3.8% on year, according to GACC.
Source:Mysteel Global
