Steel rebar futures declined below CNY 3,100 per ton, reaching their lowest level in two months as disappointing economic data from China weighed on demand expectations. Crude steel production in the world's largest producer continued to weaken amid a prolonged downturn in the property sector, with May output falling 2.7% year-on-year to 84.35 million tons. Broader economic indicators also pointed to slowing momentum, with fixed-asset investment and consumer spending retreating to levels last seen during the pandemic period. Meanwhile, earlier data showed China's steel exports rose 8.8% in May from the previous month, supported by subdued domestic demand and stronger profit margins for overseas shipments. However, cumulative steel exports in the first five months of the year were still down 8.1% from a year earlier, reflecting rising trade barriers in several major export markets.

Steel fell to 3,084 CNY/T on June 18, 2026, down 0.06% from the previous day. Over the past month, Steel's price has fallen 3.08%, but it is still 4.37% higher 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 June 20 of 2026.

Steel fell to 3,084 CNY/T on June 18, 2026, down 0.06% from the previous day. Over the past month, Steel's price has fallen 3.08%, but it is still 4.37% higher 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 3087.60 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 3215.69 in 12 months time.



Price Day Month Year Date
Gold 4,151.74 -58.26 -1.38% -8.52% 23.23% Jun/19
Silver 64.90 -0.755 -1.15% -14.43% 80.28% Jun/19
Copper 6.33 -0.0477 -0.75% 0.58% 31.10% Jun/19
Steel 3,084.00 -2.00 -0.06% -3.08% 4.37% Jun/18
Lithium 167,250.00 -2250 -1.33% -10.32% 176.67% Jun/18
Platinum 1,668.00 -39.30 -2.30% -14.88% 32.50% Jun/19
Iron Ore 101.14 -0.14 -0.14% -8.33% 6.72% Jun/18


Steel
Steel is one of the most important industrial materials globally, widely used in construction, infrastructure, transportation, and manufacturing. Its demand is closely linked to economic growth, industrial production, and investment in fixed assets. Steel products such as rebar are actively traded on exchanges including the Shanghai Futures Exchange and the London Metal Exchange (LME). Standard futures contracts, such as those for steel rebar, typically represent 10 metric tons. On the supply side, China is by far the largest producer of crude steel globally, followed by the European Union, Japan, the United States, India, Russia, and South Korea. Steel prices displayed on Trading Economics are based on over-the-counter (OTC) and contract for difference (CFD) financial instruments and are intended to provide a general market reference only. These prices do not represent official benchmark prices. The data is supplied by a third party and, while efforts are made to ensure its reliability, Trading Economics does not verify the data and makes no representations or warranties.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
3084.00 3086.00 6198.00 1580.00 2009 - 2026 Yuan/MT Daily

News Stream
Steel Drops to Two-Month Low
Steel rebar futures declined below CNY 3,100 per ton, reaching their lowest level in two months as disappointing economic data from China weighed on demand expectations. Crude steel production in the world's largest producer continued to weaken amid a prolonged downturn in the property sector, with May output falling 2.7% year-on-year to 84.35 million tons. Broader economic indicators also pointed to slowing momentum, with fixed-asset investment and consumer spending retreating to levels last seen during the pandemic period. Meanwhile, earlier data showed China's steel exports rose 8.8% in May from the previous month, supported by subdued domestic demand and stronger profit margins for overseas shipments. However, cumulative steel exports in the first five months of the year were still down 8.1% from a year earlier, reflecting rising trade barriers in several major export markets.
2026-06-17
Steel Remains Weak Despite Strong China Exports
Steel rebar futures fell to around CNY 3,130 per ton, hitting near two-month lows even after recent data showed China’s steel exports rose 8.8% in May from the previous month, supported by weak domestic demand and improved margins for overseas shipments. China exported 10.34 million metric tons of steel used in construction and manufacturing, the highest level since December. However, cumulative steel exports for the first five months of the year were down 8.1% from a year earlier amid growing trade protectionism from key overseas markets. Meanwhile, China’s steel market has entered its seasonally weak demand period earlier than usual this year due to persistent rainfall and the early arrival of summer heat. Construction activity typically slows during periods of heavy rain and high temperatures, weighing on demand for steel products.
2026-06-09
Steel Pressured by Demand Concerns
Steel rebar futures fell toward CNY 3,140 per ton, hitting six-week lows as China’s steel market entered its seasonally weak demand period earlier than usual this year due to persistent rainfall and the early arrival of summer heat. Construction activity typically slows during periods of heavy rain and high temperatures, reducing demand for steel products. Chinese steelmakers have also come under pressure from tighter profit margins, limiting their willingness to accumulate raw material inventories or ramp up production. Margins have been further squeezed by rising coal prices following the recent mine accident in China’s Shanxi Province. Meanwhile, recent industry data showed domestic crude steel production fell 2.8% year-on-year to 83.6 million tons in April, marking the lowest April output level since 2018.
2026-06-05