Iron ore production in China fell to 923.6 million tons in January–November 2025

Iron ore production in China fell amid mining and steel adjustments

Iron ore production in China fell by 2.8 percent year-on-year during January to November 2025. Chinese mines produced 923.62 million tons, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This decline reflects weaker steel demand and tighter operational discipline.

November iron ore output reached 83.03 million tons. That level declined 1.2 percent month-on-month but rose 2.3 percent year-on-year.
However, cumulative output still showed a clear downward trend.

Meanwhile, iron ore production in China fell as steelmakers reduced raw material intake. Producers responded to slowing construction activity and falling steel margins.
As a result, mining output adjusted to downstream demand conditions.

Ferroalloy and rolled steel production trends diverge

Ferroalloy production increased despite weaker iron ore volumes. Output rose 5.8 percent year-on-year to 34.81 million tons in eleven months.
November production reached 3.38 million tons, supported by stable alloy steel demand.

Rolled steel production showed mixed performance across product categories. Hot-rolled and cold-rolled output increased year-on-year.
However, wire rod and rebar production declined sharply in November.

Steel output contraction reshapes raw material demand

Overall rolled steel output grew 4 percent to 1.333 billion tons.

However, November production dropped on both monthly and yearly comparisons.
Total steel output fell 10.9 percent year-on-year to 69.87 million tons.

China reduced full-year steel production to 1.005 billion tons in 2024. That figure marked the lowest level in five years.
Experts expect steel output to remain below one billion tons ahead.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Iron ore production in China fell as steelmakers prioritized margin control over volume. The data signals a structural shift in China’s steel cycle.
Lower steel output will cap iron ore demand growth. Global miners should expect tighter competition and selective purchasing ahead.