China’s finished steel exports reached 77.49 million tons from January to August 2025, marking a 10% year-on-year increase, according to the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs of China.
In August alone, finished steel exports totaled 9.51 million tons, down 3.3% month-on-month but up slightly by 0.1% year-on-year. Meanwhile, China’s finished steel imports recorded 500,000 tons in August, up 10.6% month-on-month but down 1.96% year-on-year. For the first eight months of the year, total imports amounted to 3.977 million tons, reflecting a 14.1% year-on-year decline.
Market experts noted that China’s steel exports are likely to remain strong in September, as exporters rush to increase shipments ahead of stricter tax evasion controls in trade, set to take effect on October 1. However, exports are expected to decline significantly in October, especially when compared with the 11.18 million tons recorded in October 2024.
