China’s steel exports declined 4.4pct YoY to around 65 mln tons during the first seven months of 2026, as growing trade barriers and weaker overseas buying continued to weigh on shipments.
According to data from the General Administration of Customs (GACC), China exported 10.12 mln tons of steel products in July, down 1.9pct from June but 3pct higher compared with the same month last year.
Market insiders said steel exports continue to face pressure from anti-dumping investigations, safeguard measures and other protectionist policies in major importing markets. Overseas demand also weakened in July, while lower domestic steel supply provided less incentive for mills to aggressively pursue export sales. Trade conditions remain challenging following logistics disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.
Meanwhile, China’s iron ore imports remained strong despite easing from the previous month’s high. July imports declined 4pct MoM to 108.08 mln tons from 112.6 mln tons in June, but were 3.3pct higher than 104.62 mln tons a year earlier.
In Jan-Jul 2026, China’s iron ore imports increased 5.9pct YoY to 736.8 mln tons, reflecting continued ample seaborne supply despite relatively weak steel market conditions.