Overview

• Official data show total dispatches reached 12.161 million tons in July–September, up from 10.461 million tons a year earlier.
• Domestic sales rose 15.08% to 9.573 million tons, and quarterly exports increased 20.81% to 2.589 million tons.
• Momentum cooled in September with 7.05% month-on-month growth as total dispatches hit 4.25 million tons, local sales climbed 14.38% year-on-year, and exports fell 15.25% to 831,966 tons.
• Regional divergence persisted in September: north-based mills dispatched 3.162 million tons (domestic 2.941 million, exports 221,252), while south-based mills sent 1.09 million tons with sharply weaker exports.
• North-led performance defined the quarter, with northern domestic dispatches at 8.01 million tons and exports up 30.49%, as the industry association called for duty and tax concessions to lower consumer costs.