[SMM Analysis] Overseas Demand Continues to Boost China's Galvanized Sheet Exports, Up 12% in 2025

SMM Jan 21 News:

According to the latest customs data, galvanized sheet exports in December 2025 reached 1.3891 million mt, up 16.87% MoM and 34.82% YoY. Cumulative galvanized sheet exports from January to December 2025 totaled 14.3214 million mt, up 12.36% YoY. Overall, December's domestic galvanized sheet exports hit a record high.

By country, Thailand imported 178,400 mt of Chinese galvanized sheets in December, accounting for 12.85% of the total, rising to the top position. The Philippines imported 123,500 mt, accounting for 8.89%, falling to second place. South Korea imported 107,500 mt, accounting for 7.74%, rising to third place. For the full year, the Philippines imported 1.52 million mt of Chinese galvanized sheets in 2025, up 20% YoY, rising to the top position; Thailand imported 1.36 million mt, up 9% YoY, rising to second place; South Korea imported 1.15 million mt, down 12% YoY, falling to third place.

December's galvanized sheet exports hit a record monthly high, mainly because on December 9, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs issued Announcement No. 79 of 2025, implementing export license management for certain steel products. The announcement requires foreign trade operators to apply for export licenses based on export contracts and quality inspection certificates issued by producers. The policy took effect on January 1, 2026, raising market concerns about orders involving forged or purchased customs clearance documents. As a result, many companies rushed to meet deadlines and ship goods before January, leading to a renewed wave of export rush in China and driving a significant increase in December's galvanized sheet exports.

For the full year, Asia and Africa contributed the main increase in China's galvanized sheet exports, with Southeast Asia being the primary source of growth in Asia. According to SMM, Southeast Asian countries are major export destinations for Chinese galvanized sheets, with strong demand growth in the region. Additionally, ongoing development in Belt and Road Initiative partner countries has driven related demand, collectively supporting the continued rise in China's galvanized sheet exports in 2025.

Looking ahead, as infrastructure construction and industrialization in some Southeast Asian and African countries continue to advance, overseas demand for galvanized sheets is expected to keep growing. However, with China's export license management taking effect in January 2026, the long-term outlook suggests reduced room for low-value-added orders and those involving forged or purchased customs clearance documents. Coupled with increasing anti-dumping investigations and frequent trade barriers such as tariffs, continued vigilance is needed regarding their potential disruptive impact on the global market.

(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.)