Steel Rises as Production Resumes

2026-04-13 06:43 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

Steel rebar futures climbed above CNY 3,080 per ton, halting a recent decline as Chinese steel mills resumed production.

Sharp drops in raw material costs have improved mill margins, supporting higher output of molten iron.

Global supply concerns also shaped market sentiment after US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad over the weekend failed to produce a deal.

President Donald Trump also announced plans to blockade the Strait of Hormuz and is reportedly considering renewed strikes on Iran.

China exports substantial volumes of steel products to the Middle East, including hot-rolled coils, pipes, and rebar, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE among its key destinations.

Meanwhile, the domestic steel sector continues to face pressure from a prolonged property market downturn and weaker construction activity, while exports encounter growing headwinds from anti-dumping actions and rising protectionism abroad.



News Stream
Steel Rises as Production Resumes
Steel rebar futures climbed above CNY 3,080 per ton, halting a recent decline as Chinese steel mills resumed production. Sharp drops in raw material costs have improved mill margins, supporting higher output of molten iron. Global supply concerns also shaped market sentiment after US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad over the weekend failed to produce a deal. President Donald Trump also announced plans to blockade the Strait of Hormuz and is reportedly considering renewed strikes on Iran. China exports substantial volumes of steel products to the Middle East, including hot-rolled coils, pipes, and rebar, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE among its key destinations. Meanwhile, the domestic steel sector continues to face pressure from a prolonged property market downturn and weaker construction activity, while exports encounter growing headwinds from anti-dumping actions and rising protectionism abroad.
2026-04-13
Steel Pressured by Shrinking Margins
Steel rebar futures hovered around CNY 3,080 per ton, staying near five-week lows as tighter margins, driven by elevated raw material costs and subdued demand, continued to pressure the sector. China’s steel industry remains strained by a prolonged property market downturn and weakening construction activity, while its exports face increasing headwinds from anti-dumping and protectionist measures overseas. Vietnam has announced a temporary anti-dumping duty of up to 27.83% on certain Chinese hot-rolled coil products, effective April 17. Meanwhile, investors are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran two-week ceasefire. China exports significant volumes of steel products to the region, including hot-rolled coils, pipes, and rebar, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE among its key markets.
2026-04-10
Steel Hovers at 1-Month Low
Steel rebar futures held below CNY 3,090 per ton, hovering at one-month lows as the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz eased concerns about prolonged supply disruptions. President Donald Trump delayed planned strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure in what he called a “double-sided ceasefire,” while Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, requiring transit to be coordinated with Iran’s Armed Forces. China exports large volumes of steel products to the Middle East, including hot-rolled coils, pipes and rebar, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE among the top destinations. Steel prices also faced pressure from elevated inventories and anti-dumping measures targeting Chinese output. Vietnam has imposed a temporary anti-dumping levy of up to 27.83% on certain Chinese hot-rolled coil products starting April 17.
2026-04-08