Steel rebar futures fell below CNY 3,130 per ton, hitting a two-week low as China’s key steelmaking hub of Tangshan activated a level-two emergency response to heavy air pollution, raising concerns over potential output curbs and tighter environmental inspections. Industry data also showed Chinese steel production declined 3.6% to 76.1 million tons in February, while global output fell 2.2% to 141.8 million tons. During the annual parliamentary sessions in Beijing earlier this month, authorities reaffirmed their commitment to reducing overcapacity in the steel sector amid weakening demand. China’s steel industry continues to face structural headwinds as the economy matures, with softer construction activity further weighed down by the prolonged property downturn. Total output dropped below 1 billion tons last year for the first time since 2019.

Steel rose to 3,126 CNY/T on March 27, 2026, up 0.13% from the previous day. Over the past month, Steel's price has risen 2.19%, but it is still 2.22% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Historically, Steel reached an all time high of 6198 in May of 2021. Steel - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on March 29 of 2026.

Steel rose to 3,126 CNY/T on March 27, 2026, up 0.13% from the previous day. Over the past month, Steel's price has risen 2.19%, but it is still 2.22% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Steel is expected to trade at 3124.81 Yuan/MT by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 2985.96 in 12 months time.



Price Day Month Year Date
Gold 4,495.05 115.09 2.63% -15.55% 45.74% Mar/27
Silver 69.59 1.526 2.24% -22.06% 104.13% Mar/27
Copper 5.47 0.0180 0.33% -7.23% 7.43% Mar/27
Steel 3,126.00 4.00 0.13% 2.19% -2.22% Mar/27
Lithium 158,000.00 1500 0.96% -8.41% 113.08% Mar/27
Platinum 1,871.20 32.30 1.76% -19.17% 90.61% Mar/27
Iron Ore 106.22 0.08 0.08% 6.42% 3.70% Mar/27


Steel
Steel Rebar is mostly traded on the Shanghai Futures Exchange and London Metal Exchange. The standard future contract is 10 tons. Steel is one of the world’s most important materials used in construction, cars and all sorts of machines and appliances. By far the biggest producer of crude steel is China, followed by European Union, Japan, United States, India, Russia and South Korea. The steel prices displayed in Trading Economics are based on over-the-counter (OTC) and contract for difference (CFD) financial instruments. Our steel prices are intended to provide you with a reference only, rather than as a basis for making trading decisions. Trading Economics does not verify any data and disclaims any obligation to do so.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
3126.00 3122.00 6198.00 1580.00 2009 - 2026 Yuan/MT Daily

News Stream
Steel Falls on Potential Output Curbs
Steel rebar futures fell below CNY 3,130 per ton, hitting a two-week low as China’s key steelmaking hub of Tangshan activated a level-two emergency response to heavy air pollution, raising concerns over potential output curbs and tighter environmental inspections. Industry data also showed Chinese steel production declined 3.6% to 76.1 million tons in February, while global output fell 2.2% to 141.8 million tons. During the annual parliamentary sessions in Beijing earlier this month, authorities reaffirmed their commitment to reducing overcapacity in the steel sector amid weakening demand. China’s steel industry continues to face structural headwinds as the economy matures, with softer construction activity further weighed down by the prolonged property downturn. Total output dropped below 1 billion tons last year for the first time since 2019.
2026-03-25
Steel Approaches Multi-Month Highs
Steel rebar futures climbed to around CNY 3,150 per ton, nearing their highest levels since August last year as China moved to curb overcapacity amid weak demand. Higher raw material costs, driven by rising ocean freight rates and elevated energy prices from the Iran war, have also squeezed steel mill margins, prompting production cuts. Recent data showed Chinese steel output fell 3.6% to about 160 million tons in the first two months of the year, reflecting both a seasonal slowdown tied to the Lunar New Year holiday and pollution controls ahead of March’s annual legislative meetings. China’s steel sector remains in structural decline as the economy matures, leading to weaker construction activity, further exacerbated by the prolonged property crisis. The country’s steel output dropped below 1 billion tons last year for the first time since 2019.
2026-03-23
Steel Holds Steady as China Output Declines
Steel rebar futures held steady around CNY 3,140 per tonne, hovering near seven-week highs after data showed Chinese steel output fell 3.6% to about 160 million tons in the first two months of the year as mills curtailed production to offset weak demand. The period also marks a seasonal slowdown for steelmakers due to the Lunar New Year holiday and pollution controls ahead of annual legislative meetings in March. China’s steel sector has been in structural decline as the country’s economy matures, leading to reduced construction activity, further worsened by the prolonged property crisis. Earlier this month, economic planners at the National People's Congress signaled plans for orderly reductions in steel capacity. Beijing made similar pledges during the 2025 policy meetings, though the results were mixed. The country’s steel output fell below 1 billion tons last year for the first time since 2019, although some analysts questioned the reliability of the official figures.
2026-03-16