Inventories of finished steel products in China, including rebar, wire rod, plates, hot-rolled, and cold-rolled coils, rose by 5% in mid-August 2025, according to the China Iron and Steel Association.
The increase was mainly due to weak demand as construction slowed under extreme heat and heavy rainfall. Rebar stockpiles recorded the sharpest rise, reflecting ongoing struggles in the property and infrastructure sectors.
Analysts warn that the stock build-up highlights a supply-demand imbalance in the market. While production cuts have been implemented at some mills, supply remains high, raising questions about whether seasonal demand in September and October will be strong enough to ease pressure on inventories.
VietnamSteel by Hoa Sen Group
