China’s steel exports surged 22% year-on-year to 65 million tons in the first quarter of 2025, the highest level since 2015, as buyers in Southeast Asia and the Middle East sought to fill supply gaps caused by geopolitical disruptions. The surge follows China’s efforts to streamline outdated capacity and focus on specialty steel grades. However, critics argue that the exports may undercut global price stability and delay decarbonization efforts in importing nations. Chinese officials stress that exports comply with WTO rules and meet quality standards.