China reduced iron ore output by 12.2% in the first four months of 2025, signaling shifts in the country’s raw material supply strategy. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS), domestic iron ore production totaled 328.6 million tons from January to April. In April alone, production hit 84.7 million tons, down 4.9% compared to the same month last year.
Import Prices and Supply Trends
Despite the domestic production decline, iron ore imports to China only fell by 5.5% year-on-year, reaching 388.36 million tons in early 2025. The average price of imported ore dropped by 18.6% to $98.9 per ton. Notably, sea shipments increased 9.8% month-over-month in April to 103.14 million tons, demonstrating strong demand from steelmakers. However, price volatility remained modest with a low of $96/t on April 8-9 and a high of $104/t on April 1-2.
Steel Production and Government Policy Impact
Chinese steelmakers produced 345.35 million tons of steel in the first four months of 2025, growing slightly by 0.4% year-on-year. This modest growth occurred despite Beijing’s March announcement to restructure the steel sector and impose production limits. Authorities have yet to clarify the timing and scope of these restrictions, which could affect future iron ore demand and supply dynamics.
SuperMetalPrice will continue monitoring China’s iron ore production and import trends, as these factors strongly influence global raw material markets.
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