China exported 10.492 million tonnes of steel in September 2026, up 3.3% from the previous month and 0.3% from a year earlier, according to the China Iron and Steel Association's monthly steel trade report.

The average export price was $735.7 per tonne, an increase of 1.9% month on month. Steel imports reached 492,000 tonnes, up 13.3% from August but down 10.3% year on year.

Export volume and average price rose together

The month-on-month increases in both export volume and average price distinguish September's results from a change in shipments alone. The average price, however, does not establish whether prices rose across individual steel products; changes in the mix of products exported can also affect the overall average.

Imports recovered from the previous month while remaining below their year-earlier level. For trade participants, subsequent reports may help show whether the monthly increases in exports and imports persist, and whether the average export price continues to rise alongside shipment volumes.