China's steel exports fell in June compared to May, but saw a 24% year-on-year increase in the first half of 2024.
 In June, China's finished steel exports amounted to 8.75 million metric tons, down 9.2% month-on-month. However, in the January-June period, China's steel exports rose 24% year-on-year to 53.4 million metric tons.
 The slower pace of increase compared to the first five months was due to sluggish domestic demand in China's traditional offseason, as well as slack overseas demand amid hot weather.
 Meanwhile, China's finished steel imports declined 9.7% month-on-month and 6% year-on-year in June, reaching 575,000 metric tons. For the first half of 2024, steel imports fell 3.3% compared to the same period in 2023.