China, accounting for more than 50% of the world’s steel production, has seen its exports surge, with projections indicating they will reach 109 million metric tons this year, an eight-year high. However, the newly imposed U.S. tariffs are expected to curb this growth. The tariffs not only affect direct exports to the U.S. but also disrupt China’s practice of transshipping steel through third countries to circumvent trade barriers, impacting about 10% of its steel exports valued at approximately $7 billion. ​ In response to these tariffs, China faces increased trade barriers globally, with a surge in anti-dumping cases filed against its steel products. Between early 2024 and February 2025, approximately 29 major steel trade cases were initiated against China, significantly higher than the 15 cases during 2020-2023.
China’s Steel Export Trends and Monthly Fluctuations

Analysis of monthly steel export fluctuations from the Signal Ocean Platform indicates that China accounts for 33.5% of total steel exports, with primary origin areas in North China at 67.6% and Central China at 27.9%. The top exporting ports, including Tianjin, Bayuquan, and Luojing, handle over 50% of total shipments. Monthly export volumes fluctuate, peaking in January and August due to pre-holiday stockpiling and seasonal demand cycles. The primary destinations for Chinese steel include the Arabian Gulf, Indonesia, and Vietnam, representing 11.2%, 8.4%, and 7.7% of total exports, respectively. With the U.S. reimposing a 25% tariff on steel imports effective March 2025, a notable decline in steel exports is expected, with estimates suggesting a drop from 109 million metric tons to 96 million metric tons by 2025.

Implications for Freight Vessel Size Categories

The shift in China’s steel export patterns due to tariffs and trade barriers has significant consequences for the maritime industry, particularly vessel size categories. Traditionally, Capesize and Panamax vessels were favored for steel shipments due to economies of scale. However, recent industry shifts indicate a move toward smaller, more versatile vessels due to uncertain global trade conditions, rising environmental regulations, and geopolitical disruptions affecting supply chains.Suprama​​​x vessels, accounting for 69.4% of steel shipments, dominate Chinese steel exports due to their port accessibility and adaptability. Handysize and Handymax vessels, at 12.4% and 8.7% respectively, cater to regional trades and smaller emerging markets.
Freight Vessel Market Shifts

The combination of tariff-induced trade shifts, monthly export fluctuations, and the predominance of mid-size vessel classes (Supramax, Handymax) suggests a strategic industry transition. The freight market will likely see increased demand for flexible and fuel-efficient vessel categories, rather than large-scale bulk carriers, as Chinese steel exporters diversify their shipping strategies in response to trade barriers.

For more information on this week’s freight, supply and demand shipping trends, see the analysis sections below. You can also log in to our Newsroom page under Insights & News to stay updated with the latest reports.

SECTION 1/ FREIGHT – Freight Rates ($/t) Firmer

‘The Big Picture’ – Capesize and Panamax Bulkers and Smaller Ship Sizes

• Capesize vessel freight rates for shipments from Brazil to North China exceeded $20 per tonne, boosting market sentiment after dipping to around $16 per tonne in mid-February.
• Panamax vessel freight rates from the Continent to the Far East stood at $29 per ton, representing a slight downward trend from the end of the previous week.
• Supramax vessel freight rates on the Indo-ECI route held firm levels around $9 per tonne, with an upward trend in early March.
• Handysize freight rates for the NOPAC Far East route continued above nearly $30 per tonne from the end of February, marking a 25% monthly increase. ​​​​​​

• Capesize: The growth rate showed an upward trend after hitting one of its lowest annual levels two weeks ago.
• Panamax: Tonne-day growth also emerged with an upward trend, with signals of leaving a weakening picture of February.
• Supramax: The growth rate remains the strongest among vessel size categories, maintaining a steady upward trajectory since early February.
• Handysize: Its growth rate has begun to align with that of the Panamax segment, which experienced a downward trend in the first week of the month.