According to statistics, China's major stainless steel producers produced 21.87 million tons of crude stainless steel in the first half of 2026, up by 5.4% year on year. However, market participants admit that although steel mills have reduced production schedules, supply pressure remains high. 

In June, China's crude stainless steel output totaled 3.76 million tons, down by 240,000 tons compared with May but up by 200,000 tons year on year. 

As June marked the beginning of the seasonal demand slowdown, steel mills started maintenance activities and cut their output.