South Korea: Shipbuilding drives surge in thick steel plate imports during H1CY’26

• Chinese-origin thick plate imports during H1 up by 34% y-o-y
• Shipbuilding-grade plate imports account for 85% of Japan’s shipments

South Korea’s thick plate imports increased significantly in the first half of the year, driven primarily by robust demand from the shipbuilding sector. While demand from construction and steel pipe manufacturers remained subdued, higher procurement by shipyards lifted overall import volumes, with Chinese and Japanese suppliers benefiting from stronger shipbuilding activity.

Chinese-origin thick plate imports reached 461,000 tonnes (t) during H1 CY’26, up by 34% y-o-y. Shipbuilding-grade material accounted for 363,000 t, representing a sharp 119% y-o-y increase and nearly 79% of total Chinese imports. In contrast, imports of general-purpose Chinese plate fell by 64% y-o-y to 50,000 t, reflecting the impact of anti-dumping duties that continue to restrict non-shipbuilding applications.

Japanese thick plate imports also strengthened during the period. Total imports reached 385,000 t, up by 17% y-o-y, with shipbuilding-grade plate rising by 22% y-o-y to 326,000 t, accounting for 85% of Japan’s total shipments. Imports for construction, machinery and distribution applications increased sharply to 36,000 t, compared with 8,000 t in the corresponding period last year. However, imports used in steel pipe and pressure vessel manufacturing declined by 28% y-o-y to 23,000 t, reflecting persistent weakness in these downstream sectors.

Although June recorded lower imports of Chinese shipbuilding-grade plate, imports of distribution-grade material increased noticeably. Market participants also observed higher arrivals of Japanese general-purpose plate during the month.

Industry sources attributed the changing trade pattern to the minimum import price (MIP) implemented during the second half of the year, which is expected to be revised upward from July. Market participants believe the anticipated increase in the MIP encouraged higher Chinese shipments in June ahead of the adjustment. At the same time, firmer domestic plate prices improved the competitiveness of imported material, supporting increased imports of Japanese general-purpose plate.

Despite continued weakness in construction and steel pipe demand, strong order books at domestic shipyards are expected to keep shipbuilding as the primary driver of thick plate imports. Future import trends will depend on developments in domestic pricing, trade measures, and procurement strategies adopted by Korean shipbuilders.