China's steel exports remained elevated in July, exceeding 10 million tonnes for a third consecutive month, though cumulative shipments for the first seven months of the year continued to decline year on year.

July steel exports totaled 10.12 Mt, down 1.9% from the previous month but marking the third-highest monthly level this year, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs on August 7.

Export value fell 1.3% month on month to $7.24 billion, putting the average export price at $715.7/t, up 0.7% from a month earlier.

Despite the recent recovery in export volumes to relatively high levels, the introduction of new export licensing rules early this year, Middle East conflicts, overseas trade barriers and a high comparison base from last year have kept cumulative shipments in negative territory year on year.

During January-July 2026, China's steel exports totaled 64.995 Mt, down 4.4% year on year, with export value reaching $45.72 billion, down 3.8% from the same period last year. The average export price for the period stood at $703.4/t, up 0.6% year on year.