China Iron and Steel Association Market Research Department

In late August, social inventories of the five major steel varieties in 21 cities reached 8.83 million tons, a month-on-month increase of 400,000 tons, or 4.7%, marking a continuous increase. Compared to the beGInning of the year, inventories increased by 2.24 million tons, or 34.0%, but decreased by 530,000 tons, or 5.7%, compared to the same period last year.

In late August, regionally, social steel inventories in the seven major regions saw increases and decreases, with East China and South China seeing the largest increases, and North China showing the largest increase. (See the figure for details.)

In late August, social inventories of the five major steel varieties increased to varying degrees, with the exception of cold-rolled steel coil, which remained flat month-on-month. Year-on-year, inventories of all varieties decreased, with the exception of cold-rolled coil and rebar, which saw increases.