China’s stainless steel exports fell by 28.5% y/y in January–April

Imports of these products fell by 7.8% over the first four months

In January–April 2026, China reduced its stainless steel exports by 28.5% year-on-year, to 1.19 million tons. This was reported by SteelOrbis, citing the country’s customs authorities.

At the same time, imports of this product during the period decreased by 7.8% to 545,700 tons.

In April alone, China exported 394,300 tons of stainless steel, which is 27.1% more than in March but 11.9% less year-on-year.

Vietnam was the largest buyer in April of this year (about 66,000 tons), notes BigMint, marking the second-highest monthly import volume on record.

India imported 36,000 tons of stainless steel from China last month, the highest level in 19 months. The increase followed the country’s extension of exemptions regarding BIS certification.

Stainless steel exports from China to the Middle East in April increased by approximately 45.7% compared to the previous month, reaching nearly 43,000 tons, amid easing geopolitical tensions and improved regional trade activity.

At the same time, over the first four months of this year, imports of stainless steel scrap into China totaled 61,200 tons, which is 91.9% more than during the same period last year.

It should be noted that China reduced its rolled steel exports by 9.7% year-on-year to 34.2 million tons during January–April 2026. In April alone, the figure fell by 9.2% year-on-year to 9.5 million tons. Despite a slight increase compared to March, the overall trend remains negative due to weak global demand. During the same period, iron ore imports increased by 8% year-on-year to 418.6 million tons.

As reported by GMK Center, Chinese steelmakers reduced steel output by 4.1% year-on-year in January–April, to 331.12 million tons; pig iron by 3.1% year-on-year, to 282.28 million tons; and rolled steel by 1.3% year-on-year, to 471.94 million tons.