Taiwan Cold-Rolled Steel Imports From China Hit 98,000 Tons
Taiwan's cold-rolled steel imports reached 102,000 tons in June 2026. Chinese mills supplied 98,000 tons of that total. This means China now accounts for roughly 96% of Taiwan's cold-rolled coil purchases. The scale of these shipments highlights a wider shift in regional steel trade.
June Import Data at a Glance
Taiwan buyers absorbed a large volume of Chinese cold-rolled coil last month. Most of that material was booked at competitive prices. Traders describe the flow as one of the heaviest in recent memory. The gap between Chinese and other Asian offers remains wide, which keeps demand tilted toward Chinese mills.
Why 1B Grade Dominates Recent Shipments
Market sources estimate that 1B grade steel made up at least 80% of June's cold-rolled shipments. This grade sits outside Taiwan's current anti-dumping measures. Standard CQ1 material carries duty exposure, so many buyers now avoid it. As a result, trading has shifted heavily toward 1B grade instead.
| Grade | Anti-Dumping Status | June Buyer Interest |
|---|---|---|
| 1B | Not currently targeted | High |
| CQ1 | Subject to duty measures | Low |
China's Domestic Steel Demand Stays Weak
Chinese cold-rolled demand at home remains soft. Home appliance output and automotive assembly have both slowed. Steel mills report weaker order books than expected for this time of year. This domestic weakness is a core reason mills keep pushing more coil into export markets like Taiwan.
NEV Exports Rise, but Steel Orders Lag Behind
China's new energy vehicle exports climbed 65% in the first half of 2026, reaching 5.1 million units. That growth has not translated into stronger cold-rolled orders. Mills say vehicle production increasingly relies on existing inventory and efficiency gains rather than fresh steel purchases. International cold-rolled inquiries also remain frozen, with few new export deals reported in recent weeks.
Global Steel Overcapacity Adds Pressure
Taiwan's import surge fits a broader pattern. The OECD Steel Outlook 2026 projects global steel excess capacity will keep growing through 2028, with most of that excess capacity concentrated in China. The same report notes Chinese steel exports climbed to a record 131 million tonnes in 2025, well above prior years. Weak domestic demand continues to push mills toward export markets across Asia, including Taiwan.
What This Means for Taiwan Buyers
Heavy import volumes usually pressure local prices lower. Domestic cold-rolled producers face tougher competition on cost. Buyers gain more negotiating leverage in the short term. Long-term supply planning still favors diversified sourcing, since a single-origin supply chain carries policy and tariff risk.
Market Outlook
Traders expect Chinese cold-rolled flows into Taiwan to stay elevated through the third quarter. Any expansion of anti-dumping coverage to 1B grade could shift the picture quickly. Buyers should track policy updates closely and avoid locking in large forward positions without contingency plans.
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Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How much cold-rolled steel did Taiwan import from China in June 2026?
Taiwan imported 98,000 tons of cold-rolled steel from China in June 2026, out of a total of 102,000 tons imported from all sources.
What is 1B grade cold-rolled steel?
1B grade is a cold-rolled steel classification that currently falls outside Taiwan's anti-dumping duty coverage, unlike standard CQ1 material.
Why do Taiwan buyers avoid CQ1 grade Chinese steel?
CQ1 grade is subject to anti-dumping measures in Taiwan, which raises landed costs and adds compliance risk for importers.
Why is China exporting more cold-rolled steel despite rising NEV production?
Weak home appliance and automotive demand inside China has left mills with excess supply, even as vehicle exports grow strongly.
Could Taiwan expand anti-dumping duties to cover 1B grade steel?
This is possible if import volumes keep rising. Buyers should monitor trade policy announcements before booking large orders.
How does global steel overcapacity affect Taiwan's market?
Global oversupply, especially from China, keeps pushing export volumes into markets like Taiwan, adding pressure on local mill pricing.
Is now a good time to source cold-rolled steel from Taiwan's import market?
Elevated import volumes currently favor buyers on price, though sourcing diversification remains wise given ongoing trade policy uncertainty.
Where can I get a cold-rolled steel supply quote?
Contact LYH Steel through our contact page for pricing on cold-rolled, carbon, and alloy steel products.
Source data referenced from Yieh Corp market reporting. Global capacity figures cited from the OECD Steel Outlook 2026.