China still net steel importer despite strong exports
SteelOrbis Shanghai
China remained as a net finished steel importer through 2005 with 5.14 milion metric tons net import and $11.55 billion net import value despite a strong growth in exports.
China's finished steel exports through 2005 jumped up 44.25 percent year on year in quantity and 56.95 percent in value thanks to rapid capacity increases in the country. The country exported 20.52 million metric tons finished steel products through 2005 with $13.08 billion value. Meanwhile the finished steel exports in December reached 1.82 million metric tons with $1.08 billion value.
Rebar and
wire rod exports through 2005 increased 36.47 and reached 6.09 million mt while their value increased 42.35 percent to $2.78 billion.
Angle exports recorded a very sharp increase of 72.72 percent to 870,309 metric tons and 69 percent to $426.58 million.
Flat rolled exports increased 46.07 percent to 8.45 million metric tons and 56.13 percent to $5.22 billion value. Among flat products, medium
plate exports increased 59.12 percent to 3.95 million metric tons while their value increased 75.65 percent to $2.17 billion. Hot rolled sheet/coil exports increased 8.87 percent to 1.58 million metric tons and 19.97 percent to $833 million value. Cold rolled sheet/coil exports increased 3.44 percent to 552,288 metric tons and $366.19 million.
Steel
pipe and tube exports reached 3.5 million metric tons, up 68.48 percent year on year, and $2.94 billion value, up 98 percent.
The strong growth in finished steel exports through 2005 suggest that
China may become a net exporter in 2006. The country has already become a net
rebar and
wire rod exporter with 5 million metric tons more exports than imports. However,
China's flat steel imports are 14.3 million metric tons ahead of exports.