China’s steel product exports totalled approximately 95.5 million tonnes in the first 10 months of 2026, representing a 2.3% decrease compared with the same period last year.
According to Steel World Review, based on data released by China’s General Administration of Customs and reflected in a SteelOrbis report on 10 November, the country’s exports of finished steel products reached 95.495 million tonnes between January and October.
Customs data show that China exported approximately 9.854 million tonnes of steel products in October 2026. This figure was down 6.1% from September but increased by approximately 0.7% compared with October last year.
Customs data show that China exported approximately 9.854 million tonnes of steel products in October 2026. This figure was down 6.1% from September but increased by approximately 0.7% compared with October last year.
On the import side, China imported approximately 4.461 million tonnes of steel products during the first 10 months of this year, representing an 11.6% decrease compared with the same period last year.
China’s steel imports in October also reached 395,000 tonnes, down 19.7% from the previous month and 21.5% compared with October last year.
SteelOrbis also reported that the implementation of China’s new export licensing policy, which came into effect at the beginning of 2026, has affected the country’s steel product export trends.
The published figures show that despite the year-on-year decline in cumulative exports, China’s steel export volume remained above 95 million tonnes in the first 10 months of the year.
Sources: SteelOrbis, 10 November 2026; General Administration of Customs of China; GMK Center, 10 November 2026.
