China’s steel exports pick up in Jan-Apr’25 despite tariff pressures

China’s steel exports climbed by a healthy 8% to 37.9 million tonnes (mnt) in January-April 2025 (4MCY’5) from 35 mnt recorded in the year-ago period, as per data compiled by BigMint. China’s steel exports continued at a healthy pace in January-April, as suppliers ramped up shipments amid fears of spiralling trade tensions with the US. Additionally, rising protectionism globally also pushed exporters to seek new destinations, with trade barriers in place in key importing countries such as Vietnam, South Korea, Europe, and India. Export momentum also accelerated m-o-m in April, given that January-March witnessed a slower 6% growth. In April, exports were 10.5 mnt, stable m-o-m but up 13% y-o-y.