The trend in China's steel exports is no longer defined merely by expanding production capacity. Instead, it is characterized by profound shifts in product mix and regional concentration. 

Recently, the most notable changes are the surge in exports of semi-finished steel and indirect steel exports into the mainstream. 

While coils and sheets remain the primary export items, their share has dropped to 48%, down from 55% in 2025/Q2 and 65% in 2024/Q2. Semi-finished steel has become the fastest-growing segment of the export mix, and export volume reached 6.29 million tons in the second quarter of this year, compared to just 909,361 tons during the same period two years ago. 

In addition, steel bar exports constitute a stable second pillar, providing steady support for the diversification of export structure. 

Asia remains the main destination for China's steel exports. Second-quarter data identifies Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand as the top three markets, with total export volume to the top ten destinations projected at approximately 17.25 million tons. 

The automotive, shipbuilding and construction machinery industries have all experienced significant year-on-year growth, serving as key drivers for indirect steel exports and indicating that China's steel exports are becoming increasingly integrated into downstream manufactured goods.