China’s crude steel output in April totaled about 86.04 million tons, down by 6.8 million tons from March and decreasing by 7.32% year on year. The drop fell below typical seasonal levels, driven by fewer effective production days and reduced billet profitability. Although the decrease remained within a reasonable range, it reflected lower production enthusiasm among steelmakers, influenced by cost pressures and weakened market confidence.

Meanwhile, the average daily crude steel output rose slightly by 0.6% month on month to around 2.86 million tons. However, key steel enterprises saw a sharper decline, with average daily output falling by 7.51% to about 220,000 tons. This highlight reduced production among larger producers, while smaller mills resumed operations, supporting overall national output.

Looking ahead to May, the market is expected to enter a traditional off-season. With weakening demand and stagnant profits, output may continue to decline. Blast furnace operating rates and hot metal production have already edged down, signaling further contraction in China’s domestic steel supply.