China’s stainless steel crude output fell in November 2025, with total production reaching 3.53 million tons, down 2.7% from October, according to the Stainless Steel Council of China Iron and Steel Association. The decline was led mainly by a sharp drop of 7% in Cr-Mn series output, while Cr-Ni and Cr series production edged slightly lower. 

During the same month, stainless steel imports decreased both month on month and year on year, reaching 112,000 tons, while exports rose 13% from October to around 410,000 tons but remained below last year’s level. 

In the January-November period, China’s stainless steel exports slipped by 1% year on year to 4.55 million tons, whereas imports dropped by more than 20% to 1.37 million tons. 

Apparent stainless steel consumption in November fell 4.8% from the previous month to nearly 2.9 million tons, reflecting weaker domestic demand toward year-end.