Chinese Steel Export Slump: Jan-Oct '26 Shipments Drop 2.3%
Steel News | 2026-11-11 05:51:59
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.
By Paul Ploumis
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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What was the percentage decline in China's steel exports during January-October 2026 compared with the previous year?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much steel did China export during January-October 2026?
China exported 95.5 million tonnes of steel products during January-October 2026, representing a 2.3% decline compared with the corresponding period in 2025. The decline indicates a moderation in the country's overseas steel shipments.
- How did China's steel exports perform in October 2026?
China exported 9.85 million tonnes of steel products in October, marking a 6.1% decline from September's 10.49 million tonnes. However, exports remained 0.7% higher than in October 2025.
- What was the trend in China's steel imports during the first ten months of 2026?
China imported 4.46 million tonnes of steel during January-October 2026, down 11.6% year-on-year. October imports recorded an even sharper contraction, falling to approximately 395,000 tonnes, reflecting declines on both monthly and annual comparisons.
