Japan’s pig iron exports are on an upswing. According to statistics from Japan’s Ministry of Finance, the export volume in June soared by 183.4% year on year to 26,000 tons, the eleventh consecutive month of growth. Among them, Thailand was the main destination, importing 23,000 tons, surging from 195 tons in the same month of the previous year. South Korea, however, had imports from Japan declining by 36.3% year on year to 2,000 tons.

In the first half of 2025, Japan's pig iron exports amounted to 102,000 tons, a year-on-year jump of 151.1%. Thailand accounted for more than 75% of these exports, with a 5820% surge in imports, driven by strong demand. Market participants attributed the growth to a rebound in Southeast Asian demand.