Sharp Increase in China’s Semi-Finished Steel Exports in Jan.–July 2025

China’s semi-finished steel exports recorded a significant surge in July 2025, reaching 1.58 million mt — up 34.4% compared to June and posting a sharp year-on-year rise of 349%, according to China’s customs authorities. From January to July, China’s total semi-finished steel exports amounted to 7.47 million mt, marking an exceptional year-on-year growth of 309.7%. In contrast, imports of semi-finished steel products declined sharply, falling to 544,000 mt in the seven-month period, down 62.7% compared with the same period last year. In July alone, imports dropped to 28,300 mt, down 81.7% month on month and 88.1% year on year.