China's ferrous market navigated a complex first half of 2026, with steel prices generally moving higher but profitability remaining under significant pressure as raw material costs rose faster than finished steel prices, according to Mysteel's Ferrous Quarterly Webinar held on July 29, 2026. The analysis, presented by Vivian Yang, Head of Editorial and Steel Analyst at Mysteel, highlighted a market environment characterized by tightening supply discipline. Output control became increasingly shaped by policy directives and decarbonization constraints during the period, reflecting China's ongoing structural shift in its steel industry toward greater environmental compliance.
On the demand side, manufacturing continued to serve as a key pillar of steel consumption throughout H1 2026, even as other traditional demand drivers remained under pressure. The interplay between robust industrial demand and margin compression has defined the underlying dynamics of the Chinese ferrous complex during the period. The webinar, which ran for two hours on the Zoom platform, covered a broad range of topics across the ferrous value chain, including steel, iron ore, coal and coke, thermal coal, steel scrap, and silicon manganese (SiMn).
Speakers examined supply-demand balances and price trends across these segments, providing a comprehensive picture of market conditions in the first half of the year. Looking ahead to H2 2026, the session addressed the outlook for steel demand, prices, and margins, alongside key policy, supply, and inventory factors that market participants will need to monitor closely. Speakers also outlined the main opportunities and risks facing the sector in the second half of the year.
The recording and presentation slides from the webinar are available for purchase through Mysteel's platform, priced at USD 299 for the standard package and USD 149 for existing Mysteel subscribers. The materials were prepared by Mysteel's senior analysts based on the firm's proprietary survey data. Mysteel also offers an Annual Pass covering any four consecutive ferrous quarterly webinars, which are generally held in January, April, July, and October each year.
Source: Mysteel (mysteel.net), published August 5, 2026.
Source: mysteel.net