China’s steel exports declined by 8.1pct YoY to 44.55 mln tons during the first five months of 2026, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs.
In May, steel exports totaled 10.34 mln tons, down 2.3pct from the same month last year but up from 9.5 mln tons recorded in April.
Market insiders attributed the decline in overseas shipments to China’s new steel export licensing regime introduced at the beginning of 2026, as well as a growing number of trade protection measures targeting Chinese steel products. Market sentiment was also affected by recent tensions in the Middle East, which disrupted trade flows and increased freight and logistics risks. However, Chinese traders indicated that export activity has gradually resumed, although uncertainty remains.
Meanwhile, China’s iron ore imports increased by 6.3pct YoY to 516.25 mln tons during January-May 2026. In May alone, iron ore imports decreased to 97.71 mln tons from 98.13 mln tons in the corresponding month of 2025.
