Chinese Steel Export Slump: Jan-Oct '26 Shipments Drop 2.3%

Steel News  |  2026-11-11 05:51:59   |   By

Monthly exports in October totalled 9.85 million tonnes, down by 6.1% from September's 10.49 million tonnes. However, shipments remained slightly higher by 0.7% from the volume recorded in October last year.

Summary

  • China's Steel Exports Decline During January-October 2026

    Chinese steel exports totalled 95.5 million tonnes during the first ten months of 2026, registering a 2.3% year-on-year decline. October shipments reached 9.85 million tonnes, down 6.1% month-on-month but up 0.7% year-on-year.

  • Steel Imports Experience a Sharper Contraction

    China's steel imports dropped 11.6% year-on-year to 4.46 million tonnes during January-October. October imports fell sharply by 19.7% month-on-month and 21.5% year-on-year to approximately 395,000 tonnes.

  • Iron Ore Imports Rise Despite October Slowdown

    China's cumulative iron ore imports increased 3.1% year-on-year to 1.06 billion tonnes over the ten-month period. However, October arrivals declined 3.8% month-on-month and 5.1% year-on-year to 105.65 million tonnes.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): China's steel export momentum weakened during the first ten months of 2026. The cumulative overseas shipments registered a decline despite a modest year-on-year increase in October. The latest customs figures also indicate a continued slowdown in the country's steel import trade.

According to data from China's General Administration of Customs cited by SteelOrbis, Chinese steelmakers shipped 95.5 million tonnes of steel products between January and October. This represents a modest 2.3% decline from the corresponding ten-month period in 2025.

Monthly exports in October totalled 9.85 million tonnes, down by 6.1% from September's 10.49 million tonnes. However, shipments remained slightly higher by 0.7% from the volume recorded in October last year.

China's steel imports also weakened considerably. Overseas purchases reached 4.46 million tonnes during January-October, down 11.6% year-on-year. Also, October imports plunged 19.7% month-on-month and 21.5% year-on-year to approximately 395,000 tonnes.

Meanwhile, China's cumulative iron ore imports increased 3.1% year-on-year to 1.06 billion tonnes over the ten-month period. In contrast, October imports declined 3.8% from September and 5.1% from a year earlier to 105.65 million tonnes.

The Chinese steel industry has been witnessing a transition, mainly due to tighter capacity controls and ongoing efforts to balance domestic supply with demand.

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