In 2025, China recorded a slight decrease in stainless steel exports — volumes fell by 0.3% to 5.03 million tons compared to the previous year. This data was released by the country’s customs authorities.
This is reported by Finway
Import and Export Dynamics in 2025
The import of stainless steel into China for the past year amounted to 1.52 million tons, which is 19% less than in 2024. In December 2025, 485,000 tons of this product were exported, which is 4.2% more year-on-year and 19.7% more month-on-month. The increase in exports in December is linked to preparations for the implementation of a new export licensing system for all steel products starting January 1, 2026.
Changes in Stainless Steel Scrap Imports
In December 2025, the import of stainless steel into China reached 145,000 tons, increasing by 1.9% year-on-year and by 29.3% month-on-month. Additionally, in 2025, the country imported 120.1 thousand tons of stainless steel scrap, which is 23.5% more than in the previous year. In December, this figure reached 11.8 thousand tons, which is 20.6% more compared to the same period in 2024.
“The December surge occurred ahead of the introduction of the export licensing system for all steel products starting January 1, 2026.”