China Exporters Push Semi-Finished Steel Up 300% – New Trade Dynamics Emerge

Between January and July 2025, China exported a staggering 7.4 million tons of semi-finished steel, a 320% increase compared to the same period last year, according to Bloomberg. This surge is attributed to weak domestic demand in real estate and construction, with exports of steel billets now dominating international trade despite attempts by nations like Vietnam and South Korea to implement anti-dumping measures on finished products. Analysts suggest this shift may continue unless China intervenes with production curbs. 14% of all outbound steel shipments came from billet exports alone in July.