China’s finished steel exports declined by 9.7pct YoY to 34.2 mln tons during the first four months of 2026, according to data from the General Administration of Customs.
In April alone, Chinese steel exports totaled 9.5 mln tons, down 9pct YoY, but higher compared to 9.13 mln tons recorded in March.
The decline follows record export levels in 2025 and is attributed to the implementation of a new export licensing regime from January, as well as increasing protectionist measures against Chinese steel products.
Recent Middle East tensions have also affected export activity, with market insiders noting that many Chinese steel traders suspended offers to GCC clients due to logistics uncertainty and rising freight risks.
According to market insiders, several vessels carrying steel cargoes for GCC destinations have remained stranded in open waters or diverted to alternative ports since last month, with many cases still unresolved. While some cargoes were discharged at GCC ports, port congestion and inland transportation costs in the region have increased significantly.
China exported approximately 14 mln tons of steel to GCC countries in 2025. Meanwhile, China’s iron ore imports increased by 8pct YoY to 418.6 mln tons during January-April 2026. April iron ore imports totaled 103.85 mln tons, down 0.7pct compared to the same month last year.