China’s Steel Exports Hit 9-Year High — Is Your Market Ready?

China’s steel exports reached a 9-year high in Q1 2025, totaling 27.43 million tonnes—a 6.3% year-on-year increase, according to customs data reported by Reuters. This marks the highest quarterly figure since 2016 and underscores China's continued dominance in global steel trade.

🔹 March 2025 Exports:
Steelmakers exported 10.46 million tonnes—a 5.8% y/y rise—driven by concerns around global trade uncertainty post-U.S. presidential changes.

🔹 Q1 Steel Imports:
China’s steel imports declined by 11.3% y/y to 1.55 million tonnes, with March alone seeing an 18.8% drop (501k tonnes).

🔹 Quarter-on-Quarter Trend:
Compared to Q4 2024, steel exports fell 9.1%, and imports declined 4.9%, indicating a strategic focus on outbound trade amid domestic demand concerns.

Iron Ore Imports Decline Amid Weather Disruptions
China also witnessed a 7.8% y/y fall in iron ore imports in Q1, down to 285.31 million tonnes.
🔻 March imports dropped to 93.97 million tonnes, the lowest since July 2023.

📉 Analysts attribute the dip to lingering cyclone impacts in Australia, a key iron ore supplier. This shortfall led to:

2.6% drop in port stockpiles

2.5% increase in iron ore prices

However, recovery is expected:
🔮 Analysts forecast April imports to surpass 100 million tonnes as delayed cargoes clear customs and miners fast-track deliveries to meet annual targets.

SteelBazaar Insights
With China’s export momentum rising and domestic consumption slowing, global markets—including India—must brace for intensified competition.

✅ Indian steel manufacturers are urged to:

Expand digitally via platforms like SteelBazaar

Improve market reach and pricing strategies

Strengthen scrap recovery and liquidity management

📌 The global trade dynamic is shifting fast. Stay ahead with SteelBazaar’s real-time insights and tools.