Where Data Tells the Story
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Chinese steel exports more than doubled from 2019 to 2025 while Europe’s exports were cut in half China’s steel export surge has radically altered global trade flows. In 2019, China exported 62.7 million tonnes of steel and accounted for 19% of world steel exports. By 2025, Chinese exports had reached a record 131.2 million tonnes, lifting China’s share to 40.8% of world trade — roughly 41%. Over the same period, Europe’s exports fell from 107.4 million tonnes to 50.0 million tonnes, a 53.4% decline. ASEAN exporters also grew quickly, rising from 9.5 million tonnes in 2019 to 20.8 million tonnes in 2025. The OECD notes that while world steel exports fell 6.2% in 2025, China’s exports still rose 13.8% to a record level.