China's steel industry foresees a significant drop in exports, potentially exceeding 20 million tons in 2025, most of which are high-end steel, due to escalating global trade barriers, particularly high US tariffs.

Despite a first-quarter export surge to 27.43 million tons driven by anticipatory shipments, the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) warns of an increasingly challenging external environment.

US tariffs, including section 232 and 301, on Chinese steel have reached 70%, impacting both direct and substantial indirect exports. US tariffs have triggered a chain reaction, with other nations, such as the EU, Canada, Turkey, and India, initiating their trade investigations.