China’s steel exports declined 5.6pct YoY to 54.87 mln tons during the first half of 2026, reflecting growing trade barriers in key export markets and disruptions to shipments caused by the Middle East conflict.
The General Administration of Customs (GACC) data showed that June steel exports reached 10.32 mln tons, up 6.7pct from a year earlier but marginally down 0.2pct from May.
Market participants said China’s steel exports continue to face mounting pressure from anti-dumping investigations, safeguard measures and other protectionist policies across major importing countries. The Middle East conflict has further disrupted trade flows, particularly to the GCC, one of the largest destinations for Chinese steel due to relatively low trade barriers. Higher freight costs, vessel shortages and logistics disruptions have affected shipments, while renewed regional tensions have raised fresh concerns over export prospects. Analysts expect port congestion and supply chain bottlenecks to persist for several months even if geopolitical conditions improve.
Meanwhile, China’s iron ore imports increased 6.3pct YoY to 628.87 mln tons during January-June. June imports rose to 112.69 mln tons from 105.95 mln tons a year earlier and 97.71 mln tons in May, supported by higher shipments from major miners seeking to meet quarterly sales targets and the clearance of cargoes delayed at customs in May.