- Crude steel output dips slightly y-o-y in mid-May
- Finished steel production up marginally y-o-y
The China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) has announced that the total steel inventory at key Chinese enterprises was at around 16.35 million tonnes (mnt) in mid-May 2025. Inventory levels rose by 290,000 tonnes (t) or 1.8% from 16.06 mnt in early-May 2025. However, the inventory level dropped by 350,000 t or 2.1% m-o-m against 16.71 mnt in mid-April. Moreover, on a y-o-y basis, steel inventories declined by 480,000 t or 2.9% y-o-y as compared to 16.82 mnt in mid-May 2024.
Production volumes
The average daily crude steel output of CISA-affiliated mills stood at 2.199 mnt in mid-May, inching down by 0.3% against 2.205 mnt in early-May. Moreover, the same edged down by 0.5% y-o-y against 2.209 mnt in mid-May 2024.
The average daily finished steel output reached 2.214 mnt in mid-May, increasing by 1.9% as of 2.08 mnt in early-May. Furthermore, on y-o-y basis, the same inched up by 0.2% y-o-y.
Average pig iron output stood at 1.98 mnt in mid-May, reflecting a slight drop of 0.4% from 1.99 mnt in early-May. Meanwhile, output marginally increased by 0.2% y-o-y.
Outlook
China’s steel market is navigating a delicate balance between supply and demand, with rising inventories and stable production signalling potential near-term pressure, amidst slow market sentiment and mixed trends.
Leave a Reply