Data from China's General Administration of Customs shows that China's exports of steel products and steel bars reached approximately 89.21 million tons from January to August 2026, an increase of 2.85% compared to approximately 86.74 million tons during the same period in 2025.
According to SMM analysis, steel bars were the primary driver of growth, with exports increasing by approximately 4.81 million tons, or 52.1%, to reach about 1.93 million tons in August 2026. This growth compensated for the decline in exports of finished steel products, which decreased by about 3%.
In contrast, exports of hot-rolled steel coils decreased by 21.5%, despite an improvement in monthly performance, while cold-rolled coils recorded strong growth of 26.5%, driven by a shift in demand from hot products and increased manufacturing needs in ASEAN countries.
Exports of coated steel also declined, amid the growing impact of new trade barriers in South Korea and Turkey. The data indicates continued strong demand in Southeast Asia and Africa, compared to relatively weak demand in the Middle East markets.
• SMM Analysis: Periodic reports and assessments issued by Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), which provides market research, real-time price data, and supply chain analysis for the metals and iron sector.
