China reduced iron ore production by 1% y/y in January–April

In January–April of this year, China reduced its iron ore production by 1% year-over-year to 326.78 million tons, according to SteelOrbis, citing China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

In April alone, the country’s production of this raw material amounted to 82.84 million tons, which is 3.5% less year-on-year but 4% more compared to the previous month.

In April, prices for imported iron ore in the country fluctuated within a narrow range and then generally rose until mid-May. Currently, a decline is being observed due to weak demand from end consumers and falling prices for rolled steel in China, against a backdrop of predominantly cautious sentiment among market participants.

As a reminder, in January–April of this year, China increased its iron ore imports by 8% year-on-year – to 418.6 million tons. During the same period, the country reduced rolled steel exports by 9.7% year-on-year – to 34.2 million tons.

Over the first four months of this year, Chinese steelmakers reduced steel output by 4.1% year-on-year – to 331.12 million tons. In April alone, Chinese steelmakers produced 83.63 million tons of steel, which is 2.8% less than in the same period of 2025. Pig iron production in January–April fell by 3.1% year-on-year – to 282.28 million tons.