The latest data from the General Administration of Customs shows that in July 2026, China exported 6.02 million tonnes of steel plates and sheets, down 1.8% year-on-year; the cumulative export volume for the January-July period was 38.26 million tonnes, a year-on-year decrease of 9.9%. In July, China exported 1.92 million tonnes of steel bars, up 20.9% year-on-year; the cumulative export volume for January-July was 11.93 million tonnes, up 12.3% year-on-year. In July, China exported 660,000 tonnes of angle steel and sections, up 0.4% year-on-year; the cumulative export volume for January-July was 4.58 million tonnes, up 4.9% year-on-year. In July, China exported 240,000 tonnes of steel wire rod, down 3.2% year-on-year; the cumulative export volume for January-July was 1.60 million tonnes, down 5.2% year-on-year.

Analysis and Commentary

Steel Plates/Sheets

In July 2026, China's exports of steel plates and sheets totaled 6.02 million tonnes, down 1.8% year-on-year; cumulative exports for January-July fell by 9.9% year-on-year. Weak external demand has increased domestic supply pressure, exerting downward pressure on both spot and futures prices.

Steel Bars

In July, China's exports of steel bars reached 1.92 million tonnes, up 20.9% year-on-year; cumulative exports for January-July rose by 12.3% year-on-year. Robust external demand effectively absorbed domestic supply, providing support for both spot and futures prices.

Angle Steel and Section Steel

In July, China's exports of angle steel and section steel totaled 660,000 tonnes, a slight year-on-year increase of 0.4%; cumulative exports for the January-July period rose by 4.9% year-on-year, with a modest improvement in external demand providing slight support to prices.

Wire Rod

In July, China's exports of steel wire rod stood at 240,000 tonnes, down 3.2% year-on-year, while cumulative exports for January-July fell by 5.2% year-on-year; insufficient external demand exacerbated domestic supply pressure, exerting downward pressure on both spot and futures prices for wire rod.

Rebar

Rebar is a core category of steel bar products. A significant year-on-year increase in steel bar exports and robust external demand have alleviated domestic supply pressure, providing a boost to both spot and futures prices for rebar.

Coiled Rebar

Coiled rebar is a type of construction steel. The substantial growth in steel bar exports has driven a rise in related external demand, offering a degree of price support for coiled rebar.

Iron Ore

Steel exports show a divergent trend; exports of categories such as flat products and wire rods have declined, and overall external demand remains weak. Steel mills lack sufficient momentum for production and raw material procurement, exerting downward pressure on iron ore prices.

Scrap Steel

Overall steel export performance is lackluster, and demand from the production side is weak. Steel mills show reduced enthusiasm for purchasing scrap steel, weighing on scrap spot prices.

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