China’s steel exports reached 58.1 million tons in the first half of 2025, marking a 9% increase compared to the same period last year.

China’s steel exports reached 58.1 million tons in the first half of 2025, marking a 9% increase compared to the same period last year. Reports indicate that this rise in volume, despite growing trade protectionism from importing countries, was driven by continuous pre-sales and the competitive pricing of Chinese exporters. This also led to greater diversification in export destinations and product categories.

Key Export Destinations

The Middle East and Africa, with an 18% growth, became the main export markets for Chinese steel, surpassing Southeast Asia. Nigeria and Tanzania recorded dramatic increases of 108% and 60%, respectively. The UAE and Saudi Arabia saw import growth of 11% and 17%, respectively—driven by China’s competitive prices and strong infrastructure demand in Saudi Arabia.

Turkey experienced a 3% decline in imports due to anti-dumping duties.

Southeast Asia recorded only 2% growth, as Vietnam’s 25% drop in imports (due to anti-dumping tariffs on flat products) was offset by a 20% increase in Thailand.

Central and South America emerged as a new hub for Chinese exporters, with 24% growth. Peru and Chile posted strong double-digit increases of 37% and 23%, respectively. However, exports to Brazil declined due to the start of an anti-dumping investigation.

East Asia saw a 7% drop in imports, affected by anti-dumping duties in South Korea and Taiwan.

South Asia enjoyed a 7% growth, particularly due to a 35% surge in exports to Pakistan. In contrast, India reduced its imports by 24% with the help of safeguard duties.

Europe and CIS countries saw Chinese steel exports rise by 19% and 24%, respectively, in the first half of 2025.