China's social inventory of five major steel products across 21 cities stood at 9.8 million tonnes in late July, up 180,000 tonnes or 1.9% from mid-July, according to data from the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA). The inventory increased 2.59 million tonnes or 35.9% from the start of the year, and rose 1.95 million tonnes or 24.8% year on year.