BUSINESS

China’s Steel Exports Hit Record High as Domestic Demand Slumps

Published: Jan. 14, 2026 6:16 p.m. GMT+8

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China’s steel exports surged to a historic high of 119 million tons in 2025, breaking a decade-old record as producers sought overseas buyers to offset a deepening slump in domestic consumption.

The General Administration of Customs reported the figures on Wednesday. The 7.5% year-on-year increase in shipments pushed volumes past the previous peak of 112.4 million tons set in 2015.

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China’s steel exports hit a record 119 million tons in 2025, a 7.5% increase year-on-year, despite a fall in average export price to $694 per ton.
Domestic consumption dropped 5.4% to 808 million tons, while crude steel output fell 4% to 892 million tons (Jan–Nov 2025).
Beijing introduced an export licensing system in 2026 to curb illicit exports amid frequent anti-dumping investigations and rising global trade friction.

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Who’s Who

China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters: The China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC) has observed an increase in global protectionism and trade friction, resulting in frequent anti-dumping investigations against Chinese steel.

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What Happened When

2015：: China's previous steel export record set at 112.4 million tons.

2023：: China's steel exports jumped 36.2% year-on-year.

2024：: China's steel exports continued to grow by roughly 23% year-on-year.

2025：: China's steel exports surged to a historic high of 119 million tons, breaking the previous record; domestic steel consumption fell 5.4% to 808 million tons; iron ore imports rose 1.8% to 1.26 billion tons; cost of iron ore imports fell 7.1% to $123.1 billion; average iron ore import price was roughly $98 per ton; crude steel output dropped 4% to 892 million tons in the first 11 months.