[SMM Analysis] China’s Galvanized Steel Exports to South Korea Slumped in June — What’s the Outlook for July?

Published: Jul 24, 2026 17:30

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According to the latest China Customs data, China exported 1.0718 million tonnes of galvanized steel sheet in June 2026, down 11.24% MoM and 5.26% YoY. Cumulative exports for January–June 2026 totaled 6.7066 million tonnes, also 3.13% lower than the same period last year.

SMM July 24 News:

According to the latest China Customs data, China exported 1.0718 million tonnes of galvanized steel sheet in June 2026, down 11.24% MoM and 5.26% YoY. Cumulative exports for January–June 2026 totaled 6.7066 million tonnes, also 3.13% lower than the same period last year.

By destination, the top three export markets in June 2026 were:

Thailand: 158.0 kt, accounting for 14.75% of total exports;
The Philippines: 151.0 kt, accounting for 14.1%;
Vietnam: 79.0 kt, ranking third.

June galvanized steel exports declined moderately from May, broadly in line with earlier market expectations. According to market participants, South Korea's anti-dumping duties on Chinese galvanized steel officially took effect on June 17, leading to an immediate reduction in export orders. Customs data show that China's galvanized steel exports to South Korea fell sharply by nearly 100 kt in June, making it the primary contributor to the overall monthly decline in exports.

Looking ahead to July, SMM expects galvanized steel exports to remain under pressure. The recent escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran, coupled with Iran's complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has significantly reduced shipping traffic through the waterway. According to market sources, some export orders from China to the Middle East have yet to recover. Meanwhile, the rainy season in Southeast Asia continues to weigh on downstream demand, while the ongoing wave of anti-dumping measures remains a headwind for overseas shipments. Considering current order books at domestic galvanized steel producers, SMM expects China's galvanized steel exports to show little meaningful recovery in July.

(The above information is based on market collection and comprehensive evaluation by the SMM research team. The information provided in this article is for reference only. This article does not constitute direct advice for investment research and decision-making. Customers should make cautious decisions and should not replace their independent judgment with this information. Any decisions made by customers are not related to SMM.)

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

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