China’s semi-finished steel exports surge as trade barriers hit finished products

In 2026, China has significantly ramped up semi-finished steel exports, particularly slab shipments, to circumvent stringent antidumping measures targeting finished steel products. As major ports like Shanghai and Tianjin witness a surge in bulk carrier activity, shipping companies are adjusting logistics to accommodate these semi-finished goods. While finished steel exports remain sluggish due to global trade barriers, the shift toward slab exports provides a critical lifeline for dry bulk vessel operators navigating an increasingly complex international trade landscape.

The surge in slab transport necessitates strict adherence to the IMO Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code) and SOLAS Chapter VI, which mandates rigorous stability calculations for high-density bulk cargoes. Compliance departments must ensure that vessel loading manuals are updated to reflect the specific stowage factors of semi-finished steel. Furthermore, adherence to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code is essential to prevent shifting during transit, ensuring that safety management systems align with classification society requirements for heavy-lift and bulk operations.

Chief engineers and deck officers must prioritize cargo securing inspections and ballast water management during these voyages. With the increase in slab shipments, navigating officers need to monitor vessel trim and stress parameters closely to prevent structural fatigue. It is vital for these rank groups to verify that all lashing equipment meets current load-bearing standards, as improper securing of semi-finished steel poses significant risks to vessel integrity and crew safety during heavy weather transits.