China steel imports surge 150% in 2020 on economic stimulus boost

Asian producers reap big benefits but supply glut fears persist

20210301N Vietnam steel mill worker

A man works at Hoa Phat steel mill in Vietnam, a country that has seen its steel exports to China increase by a factor of nine. © Reuters

SOTARO YUMAE and TOMOYA ONISHI, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO/HANOI -- China's imports of steel increased by 150% to 38.56 million tons in 2020, according to the country's customs agency, as its producers struggled to keep up with surging demand fueled by government efforts to pull the economy out of a coronavirus-induced downturn.

As one of the world's biggest producers of steel, the country has been working to reduce capacity to eliminate a global supply glut. And despite the recent developments, fear of another glut persists and looms heavy over the international market.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.