Exclusive China increased steel exports by 13.4% y/y in April

The indicator reached its highest level since September 2015

In April 2025, Chinese steelmakers increased steel exports by 13.4% compared to April 2024, to 10.46 million tons. Compared to the previous month, the figure increased by 6 thousand tons, remaining almost stable. This is evidenced by the data of the General Administration of Customs of China, Kallanish reports.

April exports reached their highest level since September 2015. In January-April, steel shipments by Chinese producers totaled 37.89 million tons, up 8.2% y/y. However, the average price per ton decreased by 10.5% y/y – to $703.

Due to the growing number of anti-dumping cases and the trade confrontation between the US and China, Chinese sellers are actively increasing exports, which was the main reason for the high export volumes in March and April. At the same time, market expectations for a decline in exports in May and June are fairly unanimous.

Steel imports in April increased by 4.2% compared to March, but fell by 20.7% y/y – to 522 thousand tons. Over 4 months, the volume decreased by 13.9% y/y – to 2.07 million tons, while import costs fell by 13.6% y/y.

Sea shipments of iron ore to China in April 2025 reached 103.14 million tons, up 9.8% m/m and 1.3% y/y. The average price decreased by 13.3% y/y – to $98.1/t. During the month, demand for iron ore remained high due to active production plans of steel mills.

In January-April, imports of iron ore decreased by 5.5% y/y – to 388.36 million tons, while the average price per tonne fell by 18.6% y/y – to $98.9.

As GMK Center reported earlier, in 2024, China reduced steel production by 1.7% compared to 2023, to 1.005 billion tons. At the same time, exports reached a record high of 110.72 million tons, up 22.7% compared to 2023. The figure continues to grow amid weak domestic consumption. Imports amounted to 6.8 million tons, down 10.5% y/y.