Steel rebar futures climbed above CNY 3,100 per ton, reaching a two-week high as signs of firm seasonal demand and restocking by end users lifted prices. The strength in demand prompted China Steel Corp., the country’s largest steelmaker, to raise domestic prices for next month by NT$1,000 to NT$1,200 per ton, marking its fifth consecutive monthly increase. The outlook was further supported by projections from the World Steel Association, which expects global steel demand to grow 0.3% this year to 1.724 billion tons and rise 2.2% next year to 1.762 billion tons, pointing to a gradual recovery in the sector. An improving geopolitical backdrop also buoyed sentiment, with reports indicating Washington and Tehran are considering extending their two-week ceasefire to allow more time for negotiations. The conflict has disrupted trade flows, reducing metals shipments to the Gulf, a region that was China’s second-largest steel export destination last year.

Steel fell to 3,097 CNY/T on April 17, 2026, down 0.19% from the previous day. Over the past month, Steel's price has fallen 1.28%, but it is still 2.45% 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 April 18 of 2026.

Steel fell to 3,097 CNY/T on April 17, 2026, down 0.19% from the previous day. Over the past month, Steel's price has fallen 1.28%, but it is still 2.45% 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 3109.65 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 3219.40 in 12 months time.



Price Day Month Year Date
Gold 4,833.56 45.04 0.94% 0.29% 40.74% Apr/17
Silver 80.76 2.347 2.99% 7.19% 146.68% Apr/17
Copper 6.10 0.0370 0.61% 9.89% 32.62% Apr/17
Steel 3,097.00 -6.00 -0.19% -1.28% 2.45% Apr/17
Lithium 169,500.00 2000 1.19% 9.00% 137.23% Apr/17
Platinum 2,141.70 29.50 1.40% 4.14% 123.40% Apr/17
Iron Ore 106.85 -0.26 -0.24% 1.24% 6.94% Apr/17


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
3097.00 3103.00 6198.00 1580.00 2009 - 2026 Yuan/MT Daily

News Stream
Steel Rises on Strong Demand Signals
Steel rebar futures climbed above CNY 3,100 per ton, reaching a two-week high as signs of firm seasonal demand and restocking by end users lifted prices. The strength in demand prompted China Steel Corp., the country’s largest steelmaker, to raise domestic prices for next month by NT$1,000 to NT$1,200 per ton, marking its fifth consecutive monthly increase. The outlook was further supported by projections from the World Steel Association, which expects global steel demand to grow 0.3% this year to 1.724 billion tons and rise 2.2% next year to 1.762 billion tons, pointing to a gradual recovery in the sector. An improving geopolitical backdrop also buoyed sentiment, with reports indicating Washington and Tehran are considering extending their two-week ceasefire to allow more time for negotiations. The conflict has disrupted trade flows, reducing metals shipments to the Gulf, a region that was China’s second-largest steel export destination last year.
2026-04-16
Steel Rises on Stronger Demand
Steel rebar futures climbed above CNY 3,080 per ton, rebounding from multi-week lows amid improving end-user demand, with Chinese mills ramping up production. Sentiment was also supported by optimism over a potential diplomatic resolution to the Iran conflict, with a longer-term ceasefire expected to revive Middle Eastern demand for Chinese steel. The conflict has disrupted trade flows through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing metals shipments to the Gulf. The region was China’s second-largest steel export destination last year, accounting for about 16% of its record-high exports. Meanwhile, the European Union has moved to raise tariffs on imported steel to 50% in a bid to shield its domestic industry from a surge in low-cost Chinese supply. China’s steel exports continue to face growing headwinds from anti-dumping measures and rising protectionism abroad, alongside a prolonged property sector downturn and weaker construction activity at home.
2026-04-15
Steel Falls as EU Tightens Trade Measures
Steel rebar futures dropped below CNY 3,080 per ton, sliding toward six-week lows after the European Union moved to raise tariffs on imported steel to 50%, aiming to protect its struggling domestic industry from a surge in low-cost Chinese supply. The agreement also reduces duty-free import quotas by 47%, with EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic warning that persistent global overcapacity poses a threat to Europe’s industrial base. China’s steel exports continue to face mounting pressure from anti-dumping measures and rising protectionism overseas, alongside a prolonged downturn in the property sector and softer construction activity at home. Market sentiment was also shaped by geopolitical developments, as investors weighed the possibility of a longer-term US-Iran ceasefire despite the ongoing US blockade on Iranian shipments.
2026-04-14