China's steel exports fell five point six percent in the first half of 2026 to fifty-four point eight seven million metric tons, down from a record one hundred and nineteen million metric tons in full-year 2025. June exports rebounded six point six percent year-on-year, while iron ore imports surged fifteen point three percent month-on-month to one hundred and twelve point seven million metric tons. Steel imports declined eleven point three percent, though the average import price of one thousand nine hundred and twenty-five dollars per metric ton reveals China's ongoing need for high-value specialty steel from overseas.