According to Steel Data : China’s steel exports increased in July despite supportive reactions
China’s steel exports in July rose and, despite growing trade barriers from countries concerned about China’s export surge, continued their record-breaking trend.
Based on data released by the General Administration of Customs on Thursday, steel exports in July increased by 1.7% compared to June, reaching 9.84 million metric tons, bringing the total exports since the beginning of the year to 67.98 million tons. This figure marks the highest level recorded since statistics began in 1990.
The record of steel exports from the world’s largest producer has triggered protective reactions globally, and since December last year, nearly 40 countries have launched anti-dumping investigations. Major trading partners such as Vietnam and South Korea have imposed tariffs, arguing that their domestic producers are being harmed by cheap Chinese steel.
In response to these conditions, Chinese steelmakers have turned to exporting semi-finished products, which are subject to lower tariffs.
Iron ore
Imports of iron ore, the main raw material for steel production, fell 1.3 percent to 104.62 million tons in July, according to data, due to lower demand due to rising prices.
Iron ore prices in July rose by nearly 7%, as it was expected that these price hikes would be accepted, following Beijing’s commitment to countering price wars, which raised expectations of a new wave of supply-side reforms in the steel sector — an industry that has long struggled with overproduction.
However, analysts say the price increases curbed the purchasing appetite of some cost-sensitive steelmakers, who had suffered losses in 2023 and 2024 due to weak demand.
Imports also declined as miners reduced shipments after accelerating deliveries in June to meet quarterly targets. Some shipments were also delayed due to Typhoon “Vipa,” according to Cao Ying, an analyst at SDIC Futures.
Nevertheless, July marked the third month of the year in which China’s monthly iron ore imports remained above 100 million tons.
July’s imports were lower than June’s six-month high of 105.95 million tons, but higher than the 102.81 million tons recorded in the same month of 2024.
“Despite the monthly decline, iron ore imports in July remained high due to relatively strong hot metal production, which was driven by improved steel profitability,” said Zhu Xinli, an analyst at China Futures.
In the first seven months of 2025, China’s iron ore imports totaled 696.57 million tons, 2.3% less than the same period last year.
