Business · Trade · 15 hrs ago
Japan's steel exports hit lowest first-half level since 1997
Japan's steel exports fell 4% in the six months from April to September 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier.
The country shipped 14.51 million tonnes during that period, its lowest first-half total since 1997.
The decline marks three straight years of first-half drops.
Trade restrictions in countries around the world have increased protectionism, making exports harder.
Shipments to the Middle East also fell sharply as armed clashes disrupted transport.
The figures show exports remain well below their recent peak of 21.86 million tonnes in 2013.
Japan’s steel exports fell 4% year on year to 14.51 million tonnes in April-September 2026.
The volume was the lowest for a first half of a fiscal year since 1997.
Exports declined for the third consecutive first half.
The article cited rising protectionism and a sharp drop in shipments to the Middle East amid armed conflict and transport difficulties.
- Who
- Japan’s steel exporters.
- What
- Steel exports fell 4% year on year to 14.51 million tonnes, their lowest first-half level since 1997.
- When
- April-September 2026.
- Where
- Exports from Japan; shipments to the Middle East fell sharply.
- Why
- Protectionist trade measures and armed conflict that made transport to the Middle East difficult.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Japan’s steel exports reached a recent peak of 21.86 million tonnes in the first half.
Exports fell to 14.51 million tonnes, down 4% year on year and the lowest first-half level since 1997.
- Export volume
- 14.51 million tonnes
- Year-on-year change
- Down 4%
- Period
- April-September 2026
- Previous first-half low
- 1997
- Recent peak
- 21.86 million tonnes in 2013