China’s Stainless Steel Trade Shifts: Exports Rise as Imports Hit 64-Month Low
China’s stainless steel trade dynamics showed significant changes in July 2025, with imports plunging to a 64-month low while exports continued to grow, driving net exports to their highest level this year.
July 2025 Key Trade Figures
| Metric | Volume (tons) | Monthly Change | Annual Change |
| Imports | 73,000 | -33.30% | -39.00% |
| Exports | 416,300 | 6.70% | 1.40% |
| Net Exports | 343,200 | 22.40% | 18.00% |
Import Sources Remain Concentrated
Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea accounted for 81.9% of China’s stainless imports in July:
Indonesia: 46,200 tons (-46.1% MoM, -51.8% YoY)
Japan: 8,100 tons
South Korea: 5,700 tons
Notable Import Trends from Indonesia
While most product categories showed significant declines, hot-rolled coil imports from Indonesia bucked the trend with a 29.8% monthly increase, reaching 17,400 tons.
Export Performance
January-July 2025 cumulative exports reached 2.92 million tons, up 5.1% year-on-year, driven by increased shipments of coiled sheet and tubing products. Over 50% of exports were shipped to the top ten destination regions.
Market Implications
Reduced Indonesian imports reflect shifting supply chain strategies
Strong export growth indicates competitive global pricing
Net export surge suggests balanced domestic production/consumption
Data Appendix
Detailed July 2025 Imports from Indonesia:
| Product | Volume (tons) | MoM Change |
| Hot-Rolled Coil | 17,400 | 29.80% |
| Cold-Rolled Coil | 24,500 | -46.30% |
| Slab | 1,000 | -91.50% |
| Billet | 2,800 | -80.00% |
*Cumulative Trade Data (Jan-July 2025):*
Total Imports: 900,500 tons (-26.6% YoY)
Total Exports: 2,916,300 tons (+5.1% YoY)
Top 3 Source Countries: 89.9% of total imports
Export Concentration: Top 10 regions received 57.1% of exports
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