China's steel exports hit a record high in December, rare earth exports increased by 32% year-on-year, and imports of soybeans, iron ore, and crude oil all set new records for the year, while coal imports saw the largest decline in a decade
Wallstreetcn·- In December 2025, China recorded significant increases in imports, with soybean imports at 8 million tons and iron ore reaching record highs for the third consecutive year. - Meanwhile, coal imports saw a notable decline of 9.6%, marking the largest drop in a decade, while crude oil imports also hit a historical peak of 55.973 million tons. - Additionally, steel product exports rose to 11.3 million tons, exceeding 2015’s previous high, and rare earth exports surged 32%, reflecting robust demand despite some seasonal fluctuations.China's rare earth exports in July fell by 23% month-on-month, soybean imports hit a record high, and iron ore imports remained above 100 million tons for three consecutive months
Wallstreetcn·- In July, China's rare earth exports fell by 23%, ending a record high from June, while steel exports continued to rise. - Soybean imports reached a historical peak of 11.67 million tons, driven by strong supplies from Brazil, and coal imports rebounded from a two-year low. - Crude oil imports remained high at 47.2 million tons, reflecting ongoing recovery in China's oil demand despite a slight month-on-month decline.