China’s steel exports hit a record 30.7 million tons in the second quarter of 2025, marking an 11% year-over-year increase and surpassing export levels from a decade ago, Fastener World reports.

To limit tariff exposure, Chinese steelmakers boosted exports by shifting focus to non-tariffed products and emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

In the first half of 2025, total steel exports grew 9% year-over-year, stabilizing production amid weakening domestic demand due to a sluggish real estate market.

Semi-finished steel exports surged over 300% in the first five months of 2025.

Forecasts suggest total steel exports in 2025 could reach 125 million tons.

“Trade defense measures have had limited impact on curbing China’s export growth, underscoring export activity as a crucial pillar for China’s steel industry,” according to Fastener World.