Iron Ore & Steel
New EU steel tariffs would disrupt China trade: Beijing
Source: China Daily
The European Union’s plan to impose new steel tariffs is a form of trade protectionism that will not boost the bloc’s competitiveness but will instead disrupt China-EU steel trade and destabilize global supply chains, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. FULL STORY
China-Serbia bond forged in steel as 2 breakthroughs achieved
Source: China Daily
China-Serbia cooperation in green steelmaking has achieved two major breakthroughs, with researchers successfully trial-producing a high-end automotive steel panel and confirming that Serbian iron ore can meet green steel standards through hydrogen metallurgy, HBIS Group, one of China’s largest State-owned steelmakers, said. FULL STORY
Caofeidian Port enters new phase for ore carriers
Source: China Daily
The fully loaded 400,000-metric-ton-class ore carrier Yuan Jian Hai berthed at Caofeidian Port Area of Tangshan Port in Hebei province on Sunday, marking a new phase in regular full-load berthing for such ultra-large ore vessels at Caofeidian. FULL STORY
Russell: China’s structural shift is reflected in its weak steel production and strong imports of iron ore
Source: Energy News
China’s weak production of steel and its robust imports of iron ore continue to contrast, and it is beginning to appear as a structural change rather than just a temporary disruption. FULL STORY
Tsingshan has asked some Indonesian nickel producers for a reduction in output to allow aluminium to be produced
Source: Energy News
Three sources familiar with this matter have confirmed that China’s Tsingshan group has asked the ‘nickel pig-iron’ (NPI), producers in Indonesia’s Weda Bay ‘industrial park, to reduce output by June, to conserve electricity to produce aluminium. This is a sign of the group’s move into the lighter metal, which may be affecting nickel operations. Sources said that Tsingshan sent the request to NPI producers last week, as NPI is a vital feedstock for stainless-steel. The company also prioritised aluminium after the price rally increased margins. FULL STORY
China’s aluminium wire exports increase as a war-driven rally and tax gap drive shipments
Source: Energy News
Customs data on Wednesday showed that China’s exports for aluminium stranded wire increased in April. The rise in prices was largely due to the Iran War, and a tax loophole encouraged traders and producers to ship more metal in processed form, rather than ingots. FULL STORY
WEEKLY: Chinese mills continue to build imported iron ore stocks
Source: Mysteel
Chinese blast-furnace (BF) steelmakers continued to accumulate their imported iron ore inventories in the past week, supported by persistently strong production and steady demand for steelmaking raw materials, Mysteel’s latest survey showed. FULL STORY
WEEKLY: Aust., Brazilian iron ore shipments near 2-year high
Source: Mysteel
The total volume of iron ore dispatched to global destinations from the 20 ports and 17 mining companies in Australia and Brazil under Mysteel’s tracking rose for the second straight week by a significant 5.7 million tonnes or 22.8% on week to reach 30.6 million tonnes during May 18-24, hitting the highest level since the end of June in 2024 with the shipments rising from both countries. FULL STORY
Tightening supply supports China’s iron ore lump premium
Source: Mysteel
China’s portside iron ore lump premium against 62% Fe fines has strengthened markedly over the past two weeks, climbing to a near 10-month high by Tuesday. The increase has been largely driven by tightening lump supply in China, even as the appetite of steelmakers for the material wanes, Mysteel Global noted. FULL STORY
NBS: China’s Jan-Apr ROM iron ore output drops 1% YoY
Source: Mysteel
China’s run-of-mine (ROM) iron ore output totaled 326.8 million tonnes during January-April this year, falling by 1% from the same period last year, according to the latest statistics from the country’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). FULL STORY
WEEKLY: China’s iron ore port stocks hold steady
Source: Mysteel
Inventories of imported iron ore stockpiled at China’s major 47 ports under Mysteel’s regular tracking totalled 171.16 million tonnes as of May 28, down by a minimal 16,800 tonnes from the previous week, according to the latest survey results. Compared with the year-ago level, the portside stocks remained 18.3% higher, though. FULL STORY
SimFer completes 70-km rail spur for Simandou iron ore project
Source: Mysteel
SimFer has completed the 70-kilometer rail spur linking its Simandou mine in southeastern Guinea to the Trans-Guinean Railway, marking a key milestone in its efforts to boost iron ore exports from the Simandou project. SimFer, a developer of the massive West African iron ore deposit, is the joint venture between the Government of Guinea, Rio Tinto and the Chinalco-led Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH) consortium. FULL STORY
GACC: China’s iron ore imports rise 8% YoY in Jan-Apr
Source: Mysteel
China imported a total of 418.6 million tonnes of iron ore during January-April this year, an increase of 8% compared with the same period last year, according to the latest statistics released by the country’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) on May 9. FULL STORY
Coal
Russian coal exports to China by rail plunge 27.8% in Jan–Apr 2026
Source: The Coal Hub
Russian coal exports to China by rail dropped sharply in January–April 2026 amid weaker demand and rail capacity limits.
In January-April 2026, Russian railway coal exports to China via border crossings dropped to 3.9 mio t (-1.5 mio t or -27.8% vs. Jan-Apr 2025). FULL STORY
China coal demand gains as Hormuz crisis reinforces energy security concerns
Source: The Coal Hub
China coal demand is receiving renewed support as energy security concerns push Beijing to prioritise thermal generation, domestic supply resilience and reliable baseload power following disruption linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis. FULL STORY
WEEKLY: China’s met coke production slows on tightened coal supply
Source: Mysteel
China’s metallurgical coke production slowed slightly this week, mainly as tightening coal availability – driven by broad mine safety inspections across major coal hubs following a fatal gas explosion at a mine in Northwest China’s Shanxi province – constrained feedstock supply temporarily while the surge in coal prices elevated coking costs and squeezed coke producers’ profit margins. FULL STORY
China coking coal prices extend gains after Shanxi mine disaster Source: Mining
Chinese coking coal futures pushed higher for a second session as investors watched for a broader government crackdown on the sector after a deadly accident at a mine in Shanxi province. FULL STORY
WEEKLY: Supply issues, summer restocking lift China’s steam coal market
Source: Mysteel
China’s spot market for thermal coal strengthened notably during the week of May 25-29, as tightening domestic supply and expectations for stronger summer demand pushed prices higher. Nonetheless, buying interest remained relatively selective, Mysteel Global notes. FULL STORY
NBS: Coal output in China’s major mining regions falls in April
Source: Mysteel
Raw coal production in China’s five largest coal-producing regions edged lower in April, as seasonal weaknesses and transportation constraints weighed on mining activity. Even so, the country’s overall coal supply remained relatively sufficient and broadly in line with demand. FULL STORY
GACC: China’s Apr coking coal imports jump 27% YoY
Source: Mysteel
China’s coking coal imports in April surged 27.1% on year to reach 11.3 million tonnes, setting a record high for the month, although the volume retreated modestly by 9% from the all-time high notched in March, according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs. FULL STORY
GACC: China’s thermal coal imports slump to 38-month low in April
Source: Mysteel
China’s thermal coal imports fell sharply in April as elevated seaborne prices continued to dampen buyer interest. FULL STORY\
CNCA: Top 10 Chinese coal groups’ output drops 5% MoM in April
Source: Mysteel
Raw coal output of China’s top ten coal producers totalled 197 million tonnes in April, down 4.8% from March’s 207 million tonnes, Mysteel Global calculated based on year-to-date data from the China National Coal Association (CNCA). FULL STORY
GACC: China’s coal imports fall 12.5% YoY in April
Source: Mysteel
China’s total coal imports fell to 33.08 million tonnes in April 2026, down 12.5% from 37.83 million tonnes a year earlier and 15.3% lower than March levels, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) on May 9. FULL STORY
Grain
China’s 2025 autumn grain purchases hit recent high
Source: China Daily
China’s grain purchases from the 2025 autumn harvest reached a relatively high level in recent years, marked by brisk trading activity and rising prices, according to official data released by the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration. FULL STORY
China’s imported soybean stocks recover
Source: Ukr Agro Consult
China’s imported soybean stocks rose to 6.67 million tons by the end of week 21 in 2026, according to monitoring data from the grain and oilseed sector network. This is up by 100,000 tons from the previous week and slightly higher than the 6.41 million tons recorded during the same period last year. FULL STORY
US expands trade deal with China
Source: World Grain
Grain commodity markets began the week with an early morning rally that lasted throughout the session, as the trade reacted to a fact sheet released Sunday, May 17, by the White House stating China will purchase an additional $17 billion of US agricultural products. FULL STORY
Soybean market remains skeptical about China’s import commitments Source: Ukr Agro Consult
The global soybean market is once again reacting to optimistic headlines surrounding trade talks between the United States and China, but market participants remain cautious. Following the recent meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, both sides signaled progress on tariff reductions and the potential resumption of agricultural purchases. However, soybean futures responded only mildly, as traders note that similar commitments in the past have not consistently translated into sustained Chinese buying activity. FULL STORY
China has agreed to purchase $17 bln worth of agricultural products from the US annually until 2028
Source: Times Chronicle
China agreed to dramatically increase purchases of American agricultural products following President Donald Trump’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking one of the most significant trade developments between the two countries in years. FULL STORY
China may reduce soybean purchases in the new season by more than 7%
Source: Datamar News
China, the world’s largest soybean importer, is forecasting a significant reduction in purchases in the upcoming season. This trend is driven by structural changes in livestock production, specifically a decline in the hog population, and the country’s desire to reduce its reliance on imports, Bloomberg reports. FULL STORY
China is returning to the international urea market
Source: Ukr Agro Consult
China is effectively returning to the global urea market after issuing export quotas to individual producers and distributors. This is reported by several international and Chinese market sources, Profercy writes. FULL STORY
Brazil sets record soybean exports in April amid large harvest and strong Chinese demand
Source: Ukr Agro Consult
Brazil set a new monthly soybean export record in April 2026, shipping 16.75 million tonnes to international markets. The increase was driven by a record soybean harvest and improved logistics. For comparison, exports totaled 14.5 million tonnes in March and only 7.1 million tonnes in February. FULL STORY
SunSirs: Nearly 60% of Global Seaborne Soybean Shipments Head to China
Source: Sun Sirs
According to Sina Finance, the global seaborne soybean trade is re-entering an expansion cycle, with a resurgence in Chinese demand emerging as a key driver behind the current uptick in activity within the dry bulk market’s agricultural routes. FULL STORY
SunSirs: China Domestic Imported Soybean Inventories Rebound
Source: Sun Sirs
Monitoring data from the Grain and Oil Business Network indicates that, as of the end of Week 21 in 2026, the total domestic inventory of imported soybeans stood at 6.6705 million tons. This represents an increase of 100,000 tons from the previous week and is slightly higher than the 6.4116 million tons recorded during the same period last year. Specifically, coastal inventories amounted to 5.8854 million tons, an increase of 59,600 tons from the previous week. FULL STORY
SunSirs: China’s Grain Imports Show Upward Trend in April 2026
Source: Sun Sirs
According to the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs, my country imported approximately 12.25 million tons of grain in April 2026, representing a year-on-year increase of 34.3%. From January to April 2026, China’s total grain imports amounted to 37.57 million tons, up 18.1% year-on-year. In terms of specific varieties, imports of soybeans, wheat, barley, sorghum, and rice all increased on a month-on-month basis in April, while corn imports declined month-on-month. Regarding the structure of grain imports, soybeans remained the largest import category by volume, followed by barley, sorghum, wheat, and rice, with corn accounting for the smallest share. FULL STORY
Energy
CNOOC’s Kenli 10-2 oilfield starts production in Bohai Sea
Source: China Daily
China National Offshore Oil Corporation announced on Wednesday that the first phase of the Kenli 10-2 oilfield cluster — the country’s largest offshore shallow-layer lithological oilfield — has fully commenced production. FULL STORY
SunSirs: Disruptions to Middle East Supply Flows: China’s Sulfur Imports Fall Below 300,000 Tons in April
Source: Sun Sirs
According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs, China imported 295,500 tons of sulfur in April 2026—a month-on-month decrease of 42.77% and a year-on-year decrease of 72.39%. For the period from January to April 2026, China’s cumulative sulfur imports totaled 1.8471 million tons, down 48.08% compared to the same period last year. FULL STORY
Sources say that China’s June fuel exports are set to increase slightly as restrictions remain in place
Source: Energy News
Three trade sources familiar with the issue said that China will only see a small increase in refined fuel exports from May to June, because Beijing plans to maintain export restrictions for a fourth month in order to protect domestic supply. FULL STORY
China’s oil imports cut and US exports increase wrongfoot the market bulls
Source: Energy News
Analysts and traders alike predicted a market Armageddon if U.S. – Iran war continued and the Strait of Hormuz remained closed. FULL STORY
China sent a small amount of fuel to Southeast Asia but the curbs are still in place
Source: Energy News
China exported small amounts of gasoline, diesel, and ‘jet fuel to Southeast Asia, and other regions, in April. Fuel exports dropped to their lowest level in the past decade, due to Beijing’s restrictions to protect against the disruptions in the energy market caused by the war in Iran. FULL STORY
China’s oil throughput in April is the lowest since August 20, 22. Inventories rise
Source: World Energy News
China’s crude oil throughput in April fell to its lowest level?since August 20, 2022, according to official data released on Monday. The Iran war has curtailed refinery operations in the second largest oil consumer of the world.FULL STORY
Sinopec, a Chinese company, has a major reserve of ultra-deep shale gases
Source: World Energy News
Sinopec, the Chinese oil major, said it has booked large proven reserves of gas in its ultra-deep Ziyang Dongfeng shale gas field.FULL STORY
SunSirs: China’s Cumulative Crude Oil Imports for January–April Total 185.29 Million Tons
Source: Sun Sirs
According to the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs on May 9, China’s crude oil imports in April amounted to 38.47 million tons; for the January–April period, cumulative crude oil imports totaled 185.29 million tons, representing a year-on-year increase of 1.3%. Imports of refined oil products in April stood at 1.81 million tons, bringing the cumulative total for January–April to 14.48 million tons—a year-on-year increase of 12.5%.FULL STORY
SunSirs: China’s LNG Imports Total Approximately 790,000 Tons for the Week of May 18–24
Source: Sun Sirs
According to real-time LNG vessel arrival data released by the China Natural Gas Information Terminal (E-Gas System), during the week of May 18–24, China is estimated to have imported a total of 11 LNG cargoes via its coastal receiving terminals. The total import volume for the week stood at approximately 790,000 tons, down from the previous week’s figure of 1.18 million tons. FULL STORY