Market data
China steel price trends
Indicative FOB China export price ranges for the products buyers ask about most — updated periodically to help you sense-check quotes and spot prices that are too good to be true.
Indicative ranges, last reviewed July 1, 2026. These are orientation figures for buyers, not a live market feed or a quote. Always obtain current quotes for your exact specification and destination before ordering.
Latest indicative mid-price
$533/tonne
Month-over-month
+0.9% (+$5)
Commodity flat product used for tube, profiles and general fabrication. The most-watched steel benchmark. (HS 7208)
What moves China steel prices
Understanding the drivers helps you judge whether a quote is realistic and time your order sensibly.
Raw materials
Iron ore, coking coal, and scrap set the cost floor. Moves in ore and coal feed through to HRC and rebar within weeks.
Energy costs
Electricity and gas prices affect rolling and electric-arc-furnace production, especially for stainless and specialty grades.
Nickel (stainless only)
304 stainless tracks the nickel price, which is far more volatile than iron ore — hence the much wider swings on stainless.
Export demand & policy
Chinese export rebates, production controls, and global demand shift the export price independently of domestic Chinese prices.
Freight & currency
Ocean freight and USD/CNY movements change the landed cost even when the mill price is flat.
Season & construction cycle
Construction demand is seasonal; rebar in particular softens in low-build periods and firms ahead of peak season.
How to use these figures safely
- Benchmark, don't bank on it. Use the range to sense-check quotes, then get firm offers from at least three suppliers for your exact spec.
- Treat big discounts as a warning. A quote well below the range usually means something has been removed from the product — grade, weight, or coating.
- Add the real costs. These are FOB export ranges; add freight, insurance, duty, and any anti-dumping duty for your landed cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does steel cost per tonne from China?
As of 2026-07-01, indicative FOB China export prices are roughly $500–560/tonne for hot-rolled coil, $485–525/tonne for rebar, and $2,500+/tonne for 304 stainless coil. These are orientation ranges, not live quotes — always get current quotes from at least three suppliers for your exact specification and destination.
Why is one supplier's steel price so much lower than others?
In a commodity market, legitimate quotes cluster within a few percent. A price far below the range usually signals grade substitution, theoretical-weight billing, coating shortfalls, or a deposit-collection scam — not a genuine bargain. Verify anything well below market.
Are these prices a live market feed?
No. This page shows indicative ranges reviewed periodically for buyer orientation, not real-time exchange or index data. Use a specialist price-reporting service for trading decisions and get firm supplier quotes before ordering.
Do these prices include duty and freight?
No. They are FOB China export ranges, so they exclude ocean freight, insurance, import duty, VAT/GST, and any anti-dumping duty. Use the import cost calculator to estimate your full landed cost.