Data from the General Administration of Customs of China showed that the country’s steel exports increased by 9.2% year-on-year during the period from January to September 2025, reaching 87.96 million tons, according to Reuters.
In September alone, Chinese steel companies exported 10.47 million tons, up 10% from the previous month — the highest level in four months. This performance defied expectations that growing protectionist measures against cheap Chinese steel would lead to a decline in export volumes.
Meanwhile, China’s iron ore imports totaled 917.69 million tons during the first nine months of the year, roughly unchanged from the same period in 2024.
In September, imports hit a record 116.33 million tons, marking increases of 10.6% month-on-month and 11.7% year-on-year. This kept imports above the 100 million ton threshold for the fourth consecutive month, exceeding analysts’ forecasts, which had ranged between 100 and 106 million tons.
The market received strong support from the resumption of operations at Chinese steel mills following restrictions related to the September National Day celebrations. Average daily pig iron output rose to 2.42 million tons by the end of the month, up from 2.4 million tons in August, according to data from Mysteel.
Industry experts noted that the record import levels in September were driven not only by domestic activity but also by steady overseas demand for Chinese steel.
