Chinese Steel Market Enters Long Plateau After Property Crash (opens original article in a new tab)

The Chinese steel market is experiencing a prolonged decline in demand following the property crisis, but this is being offset by growth in manufacturing and exports, with experts predicting a gradual decrease rather than a sharp drop through 2050.

• Chinese steel demand is declining gradually due to property crisis but offset by manufacturing and exports
• Exports increased to 119 million tons in 2025 but face challenges from trade barriers and EU carbon taxes
• Steel production is expected to drop to 900 million tons by 2030 due to overcapacity reduction efforts
• Construction demand for steel fell to 49% of total in 2025 from 58% in 2020