With a significant reduction in Sino-US tariffs, can the export level of galvanized sheet in May be maintained?[SMM Analysis]

SMM May 20 News:

According to the latest customs data, in terms of galvanized sheet, China's exports of galvanized sheet in April 2025 reached 1.2901 million mt, with cumulative exports from January to April 2025 totaling 4.6775 million mt, representing a 14.84% increase YoY compared to the 4.0732 million mt exported in the same period of 2025. Overall, the export performance of domestic galvanized sheet in April remained robust

By country, the Philippines imported 160,400 mt of galvanized sheet from China in April, accounting for 12.43% of China's galvanized sheet exports, rising to the first place; South Korea imported 106,800 mt, accounting for 8.28%, rising to the second place; Thailand imported 101,100 mt, accounting for 7.84%, falling to the third place. In April, countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Spain, Italy, and Belgium saw significant increases in their imports of galvanized sheet from China, while countries including Thailand, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Iraq experienced varying degrees of decline in their imports.

SMM believes that the export volume of galvanized sheet in April merely maintained the level of March for the following reasons:

1. Concerns about subsequent tariff conflicts persisted in the market, leading to a continued "rush to meet deadlines" for exports in April, with related export orders remaining robust.

2. Concerns about strict investigations into "buy-to-export" practices in China in May prompted customers to request shipments before May. Domestic galvanized sheet mills rushed to meet deadlines, driving an increase in galvanized sheet exports in April.

As May progressed, the Sino-US tariff conflict eased somewhat in mid-month, with a 90-day suspension period reappearing. Some domestic enterprises continued to rush to fulfill previous export orders, but growth in new orders was limited. It is expected that the export volume of galvanized sheet in May may lack the momentum for growth compared to April.