China: Metal Chain Market 2025

Metal Chain Market Size in China

In 2022, the Chinese metal chain market decreased by -5.2% to $X, falling for the second consecutive year after three years of growth. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Metal Chain Production in China

In value terms, metal chain production totaled $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the production volume increased by 29% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2022, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Metal Chain Exports

Exports from China

In 2022, overseas shipments of iron or steel chain increased by 22% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after three years of decline. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible reduction. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, metal chain exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Overall, total exports indicated a slight expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +80.6% against 2019 indices. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons) was the main destination for metal chain exports from China, with a 18% share of total exports. Moreover, metal chain exports to the United States exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Canada (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Germany (X tons), with a 5.8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to the United States amounted to -2.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Canada (+3.2% per year) and Germany (-3.7% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for iron or steel chain exports from China, comprising 14% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Canada ($X), with a 7% share of total exports. It was followed by Germany, with a 5.8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to the United States was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Canada (+5.3% per year) and Germany (-1.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average metal chain export price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 12% against the previous year. Overall, export price indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, metal chain export price increased by +63.9% against 2012 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the average export price increased by 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Malaysia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the United States ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Malaysia (+12.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Metal Chain Imports

Imports into China

In 2022, the amount of iron or steel chain imported into China dropped significantly to X tons, reducing by -35.4% against the previous year. In general, imports continue to indicate a abrupt decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when imports increased by 24%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, metal chain imports fell to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports saw a deep slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Japan (X tons) constituted the largest metal chain supplier to China, accounting for a 47% share of total imports. Moreover, metal chain imports from Japan exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Germany (X tons), fourfold. India (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 9.6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Japan stood at -6.6%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (-31.0% per year) and India (+28.2% per year).

In value terms, Japan ($X) constituted the largest supplier of iron or steel chain to China, comprising 48% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Korea ($X), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by Germany, with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Japan stood at -8.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: South Korea (+7.4% per year) and Germany (-26.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average metal chain import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, rising by 35% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import price indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 an increase of 40%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Poland ($X per ton), while the price for South Africa ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Poland (+38.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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