China's social inventory of five major steel products across 21 cities stood at 9.71 million tonnes in mid-August, down 150,000 tonnes or 1.5% from the previous period, according to data from the China Iron and Steel Association. The inventory rose 2.5 million tonnes or 34.7% from the start of the year, and increased 1.28 million tonnes or 15.2% year on year.