Domestic News
1、Breaking the “Ultra-Thin” Barrier: Xinyu Iron and Steel Achieves 1.46mm Thickness in Container Coils
In October 2025, the Silicon Steel Sheet Business Unit at Xinyu Iron and Steel Group achieved a major milestone by successfully rolling container coils with an “ultra-thin” specification of just 1.46mm. This accomplishment marks a breakthrough for Xinyu’s 1580 hot rolling line, surpassing its previous minimum production specification. With this achievement, the company now offers a complete range of container coil thicknesses, signifying significant progress in enhancing its product portfolio.
2、China’s Steel Exports Surge in September, Approaching Annual Peak
According to data from the General Administration of Customs released on October 13, China’s steel exports reached 10.465 million tons in September 2025, reflecting a strong 10% increase compared to the previous month and a 3% growth year-over-year. For the first nine months of the year, total steel exports amounted to 87.955 million tons, marking a 9.2% year-on-year increase. This positions September’s figures as one of the highest exports of the year.
3、Price Drop in Color-Coated Steel: A 200 Yuan Per Ton Decline Over the Past Two Months
Over the last two months, the price of color-coated steel has seen a significant reduction, falling by 200 yuan per ton. Meanwhile, hot-rolled coils have experienced volatility, with prices hovering around the 3,300-point range and dipping to a two-month low of 3,252 points. In response, Shougang Changzhi Iron and Steel has reduced the ex-factory price of construction steel, including coiled rebar and deformed steel bars, by 30 yuan per ton.
International News
1、BDI Index and European Container Shipping Rates Show Positive Growth
The Baltic Dry Index (BDI), a key indicator of global dry bulk shipping costs, has been trending upwards recently, signaling a rise in global demand for raw material transportation, including iron ore, coal, and steel products. This upward movement is coupled with a tightening of vessel availability across major trade routes.
In parallel, container shipping rates for European routes have been increasing steadily, driven by higher export volumes from Asia and the seasonal surge in logistics activity as the year-end holidays approach. Analysts predict that rates on major routes, such as Asia–Europe and Asia–Middle East, could remain elevated throughout Q4 2025, due to growing container demand and constrained port capacities.
For international steel buyers and trading partners, this trend suggests that logistics and freight expenses are likely to remain high in the short term. At DLS CRGO, we advise our global clients to proactively plan shipments, coordinate delivery schedules, and secure freight rates in advance to manage potential fluctuations in shipping costs.
We remain committed to monitoring global logistics and shipping market dynamics, ensuring that we provide our clients with stable delivery schedules and cost-efficient transportation solutions. Our strong relationships with reliable freight forwarders enable us to offer competitive alternatives even during peak demand periods.
2、China Mineral Resources Group and BHP Reach RMB Settlement Agreement
Media sources report that China Mineral Resources Group has reached an agreement with Australian mining giant BHP Billiton (BHP) to settle iron ore spot trading in RMB, starting in the fourth quarter of 2025. This marks a significant development, as it is the first time China has gained pricing power over iron ore. The move is expected to lead to a reduction in iron ore prices.
3、Severe Congestion: Over 5,000 Trucks Stuck in Queue
The freight corridor between Kazakhstan and Russia has been experiencing severe congestion since mid-September, with up to 7,500 freight trucks caught in a backlog. By the end of the National Day holiday (October 1-7), over 5,000 trucks were still stuck in the queue, severely impacting land transportation between Central Asia and Russia.
4、Trump Announces 100% Tariff Hike on Chinese Goods, Impacting U.S. Stocks
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that China will impose extensive export controls on nearly all products starting November 1, 2025. In retaliation, Trump declared that the U.S. would introduce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods, effective on the same day. This new measure will supplement existing tariffs and include export controls on key software, significantly impacting U.S. stock markets.
