China Steel Exports Hit Record December High Ahead of 2026 Licence Rule

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): China’s steel exports surged to a record monthly high in December, driven by front-loading as exporters rushed shipments ahead of Beijing’s planned export licence requirement from 2026. According to data released by the General Administration of Customs, the world’s largest steel producer shipped 11.3 million metric tons of steel last month, marking the highest monthly volume on record.

ALSO READ:

New Tariff Rate Quotas Threaten Korean Steel Export Competiveness

UK Hopes for 0% Tariff on Steel Exports to US Dashed

Market participants said the spike was largely fuelled by concerns that the upcoming licence system could restrict or delay overseas sales. Analysts noted that many exporters accelerated deliveries before January to mitigate potential regulatory risks tied to the new export controls.

The proposed licence regime is aimed at regulating steel exports as robust overseas shipments have triggered a growing protectionist backlash globally.

Despite the export boom, China’s domestic steel demand remains under pressure, weighed down by prolonged weakness in the property sector. A state-backed research agency forecasts China’s steel demand will decline by 1% this year, following a steep 5.4% contraction in 2025.

On an annual basis, China’s steel exports rose 7.5% year-on-year to an all-time high of 119.02 million tons, underscoring the country’s dominant position in global steel markets despite rising trade frictions worldwide.