In May, China's semi-finished steel product exports totaled around 287,000 tons, soaring by 145% month on month. However, because demands from foreign markets slid, China's orders have decreased since April. Therefore, the exports were expected to fall in June and July.

In the second half of 2022, China's export market might not be optimistic because of low demands from oversea markets, high global energy prices, and US dollar appreciation.

China's imports of semi-finished steel products were around 360,000 tons in May, decreasing by 13.8% month on month and dropping by 70.8% year on year.

China's steel import market might be on the low side in the following months because demand for China's construction industry was down, and the steel supply exceeded demands.