Mid-East tensions cast clouds over China's HRC exports

Source: Mysteel Mar 09, 2026 19:10

The war that began in the Middle East two weeks ago with the military strikes by the US and Israel on Iran and which seems set to escalate into a much wider conflict is being watched with some concern by Chinese steelmakers, especially those exporting hot rolled coils (HRC). Not only could direct shipping volumes be affected as sales to the region shrink but the Chinese mills will struggle to find new overseas buyers of equal importance to those in the region currently. Even worse, domestic HRC prices could decline because domestic customers will know the steelmakers must either cut production – which they will be loathed to do – or discount heavily to place their coil at home.

A crucial market under attack During last year, China's exports of HRC globally reached 21.5 million tonnes, representing about 18% of total Chinese steel exports worldwide, according to data from China's General Administration of Customs (GACC). Although the total HRC tonnage exported declined by 21.5% from 2024, the volume to

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