China's Steel Trade Report: Exports Grow 8.9% in First Five Months of 2025
Key Trends in China’s Steel Imports & Exports (Jan-May 2025)
China’s steel exports continued their upward trajectory in the first five months of 2025, reaching 48.47 million tons, an 8.9% year-on-year (YoY) increase, according to the latest customs data.
Meanwhile, steel imports declined sharply, reflecting shifting domestic demand and global market dynamics.
Steel Trade Highlights (Jan-May 2025)
| Metric | Volume | YoY Change |
| Steel Exports | 48.47M tons | ▲ 8.9% |
| Steel Imports | 2.55M tons | ▼ 16.1% |
| Iron Ore Imports | 486.41M tons | ▼ 5.2% |
Detailed Breakdown of May 2025 Steel Trade
1. Steel Exports: Sustained Growth
1)May 2025 exports: 10.58M tons (▲ 9.9% YoY, ▲ 1.1% MoM)
2)Key drivers:
- Preemptive shipments amid fears of future tariff hikes
- Strong demand from ASEAN & Middle East (14% of total exports)
- Competitive pricing due to lower domestic steel prices
Market Implications & Industry Outlook
1. Export Growth to Continue, But at Slower Pace
1)2025 forecast: ~100M tons (similar to 2024’s record 110.72M tons) 8
2)Challenges:
- US/EU tariffs may redirect trade flows
- Southeast Asia remains key market (Vietnam exports up 143% to US)
2. Domestic Steel Production Adjustments
1)、Lower iron ore imports suggest optimized mill inventories
2)、Electric arc furnace (EAF) adoption rising, reducing reliance on raw ore
3. Stainless Steel Trade Trends
1)、Roll steel exports (including stainless steel coils) remain competitive
2)、Middle East demand growing (Saudi Arabia, UAE imports up 20% YoY)
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