News
December 19, 2025
According to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on December 15, my country's crude steel output in November 2025 was 69.87 million tons, a year-on-year decrease of 10.9%; the cumulative output from January to November was 891.67 million tons, a year-on-year decrease of 4.0%. Behind this seemingly contracting output data lies a profound transformation in the steel industry—steel exports in November reached 9.98 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 7.6%, profits in high-end special steel increased significantly, and hydrogen metallurgy technology has been successfully implemented. The crude steel industry is bidding farewell to the "scale competition," improving quality while reducing output, and breaking through bottlenecks through transformation.
December 19, 2025
At the construction site, steelworker Mr. Li scanned the QR code on the rebar in his hand, and his phone immediately displayed the place of origin, mechanical performance report, and the name of the quality inspector—this is the most intuitive change in the steel rebar industry in 2025. From the load-bearing backbone of high-speed rail tracks to the framework of self-built houses in rural areas, steel rebar has always been an "invisible safety lock," but this year its role has become exceptionally diverse: exports surged to 3.2085 million tons from January to October, a year-on-year increase of 49.36%, while prices have been like a roller coaster ride. In December, the price of HRB400E rebar was 4,120 yuan/ton, 230 yuan/ton lower than at the beginning of the year. With the widespread adoption of quality traceability codes, the implementation of rare earth technology, and the accelerated recycling of scrap steel, this "iron bone" is shedding its "clumsy" label, becoming both smart and environmentally friendly.
Industry Off-Season: Stainless Steel Faces Strong Resistance to Growth
Last week, stainless steel prices maintained stability. During the week, stainless steel futures prices surged and then retreated, driving market transactions. By the close of the night session on Friday, the leading stainless steel futures contract fell by 10 yuan/ton to 1,2555 yuan/ton.
Interest Rate Cut Finally Materializes: What Lies Ahead for the Stainless Steel Market?
Since December 2025, the stainless steel market has exhibited a pattern of weak supply and demand, with prices rebounding slightly but facing overall pressure. On December 11, the Federal Reserve officially announced a 25-basis-point interest rate cut—its third consecutive cut, totaling 75 basis points. According to the dot plot, the Fed plans to cut rates only once in 2026. More notably, following this meeting, the Fed formally announced a balance sheet expansion, launching a moderate $40 billion bond-buying program in December. While the scale is relatively modest, it has released certain short-term liquidity. Overall, liquidity expectations have strengthened in December, but the direct impact on the stainless steel market remains limited, as the market is primarily driven by fundamentals.
Aluminum Prices Fluctuate at High Levels; Billet Inventory Destocking and Monetization Accelerate
As of this cycle (December 4-11, 2025, the same below), according to Mysteel data, the total weekly consumption of molten aluminum for domestic primary aluminum-based processed products reached 546,570 tons, a month-on-month decrease of 2,620 tons.
The Multifaceted Power of Titanium Alloys in the New Materials Wave
As low-altitude aircraft traverse city skies and medical implants achieve better biocompatibility, titanium alloys are integrating into every corner of life and industry in diverse ways. This material, possessing lightweight, high strength, and corrosion resistance, is no longer exclusive to high-end manufacturing. Driven by both policy support and technological breakthroughs, it has become a crucial engine for activating emerging industries. Since 2025, from major breakthroughs in scientific laboratories to large-scale applications in the low-altitude economy, the titanium alloy industry has been ushering in comprehensive development opportunities.
Alloy steel is inseparable from high-end manufacturing
Within the steel family, alloy steel, with its unique performance advantages, has become the "invisible backbone" supporting high-end manufacturing. The demand for industrial upgrading is driving alloy steel towards "precision customization." As the requirements for material performance in high-end equipment become increasingly stringent, general alloy composition ratios can no longer meet the needs of specific scenarios. Today, alloy steel production is shifting from "mass manufacturing" to "on-demand R&D." Companies precisely control the hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue resistance of materials by adjusting the types and proportions of alloying elements. This customized production model allows alloy steel to perfectly match the working environment of different equipment. Whether it's engineering machinery components subjected to extreme pressure or chemical equipment resistant to high-temperature corrosion, a dedicated alloy steel solution can be found.
Green Transition Leads the Metal Market
At the end of 2025, the non-ferrous and ferrous metal sector in the commodity market is showing a robust "multi-point blooming" momentum. Copper and aluminum, as leading varieties, have seen significant price gains, with other key metals such as lead, zinc and nickel also moving upward in tandem. The enthusiasm in both futures and spot markets has formed a resonance. This metal price rally is not a short-term speculation driven by capital, but a "solid logic" built by supply-demand gaps, policy support, and new energy demand, which is reshaping the overall pattern of the global metal market.
Dynamic balance between pig iron cost and demand
As a fundamental raw material for the steel industry, pig iron price fluctuations have always been a major concern for the entire industry chain. Entering the fourth quarter of 2025, the pig iron market exhibited a distinct characteristic of "rising costs supporting growth while demand drags down." Steelmaking prices in Shandong fell by 1.81% within the month, and ductile iron prices in Hebei fell by more than 2%. Under the dual pressure of rising raw material prices and weak end-user demand, the industry is undergoing a new round of adjustment.
Copper Prices Surge to Record Highs!
Driven by tight global copper supply and concerns over potential U.S. tariffs, international copper prices have continued to hit all-time highs. On December 4th, London Metal Exchange (LME) copper prices breached the $11,500 per ton mark in one fell swoop, setting a new record. On December 5th, LME copper closed at $11,641.5 per ton, soaring to another historic high with a cumulative increase of 32.77% so far this year.