China has reduced imports of stainless steel
In 2025, China reduced stainless steel exports by 0.3% to 5.03 million tons. This is evidenced by data from the Chinese customs authorities, Steel Orbis reports.
Imports of these products amounted to 1.52 million tons last year, which is 19% less year-on-year.
In December 2025, China exported 485 thousand tons of stainless steel (+4.2% YoY and 19.7% m/m). The December surge occurred on the eve of the introduction of an export licensing system for all steel products from January 1, 2026. Stainless steel imports in the last month of 2025 amounted to 145 thousand tons (+1.9% YoY and 29.3% M/M).
Last year, imports of stainless steel scrap into the country amounted to 120.1 thousand tons, which is 23.5% more than in 2024. In December, these volumes amounted to 11.8 thousand tons, an increase of 20.6% year-on-year.