Between 2022-Q3 and 2025-Q2, the total import value of China’s Iron & Steel and China’s Copper moved in opposite directions, with a moderate inverse relationship. Iron & Steel imports declined gradually, posting a negative CAGR of -3.3% and falling from about USD 11.2 million to USD 7.76 million by 2025-Q2. Copper imports, however, increased slightly over the same period, with a CAGR of 0.9%, reaching roughly USD 18.0 million. On a year-on-year basis in 2025-Q2, both categories recorded declines, though the drop was sharper for Iron & Steel than for Copper. Trend analysis shows that Iron & Steel followed a slightly downward path, while Copper maintained a slightly upward path, and both exhibited low and limited volatility throughout the initial, middle, and closing periods.
Iron Ore’s Heavier Weight in China’s Import Mix
Across the period, Iron Ore consistently outperformed Copper Concentrate in both positioning and contribution, underscoring its stronger and more dominant role in China’s import structure.
February 10, 2026
Copper, Iron Ore, Steel Raw Materials
Iron Ore’s Heavier Weight in China’s Import Mix