Dear friend, the following is our monthly market report update, for your reference.
The tinplate market is gradually emerging from a phase of weak fluctuations and is poised to begin a long-cycle rebound in the second half of the year.
1. Tinplate Market Price Changes
Baosteel, Meisteel, and WISCO have increased tinplate prices by 150 RMB/ton, and tin-free steel (TFS) prices by 150 RMB/ton.
Other steel mills have raised prices by 50 to 100 RMB/ton.
2. Raw Material Market Changes
2.1 Hot-Rolled Coil (HRC)
The overall hot-rolled coil market remains stable with minor fluctuations.
2.3 Production Capacity
According to Mysteel’s monitoring of 30 tinplate producers, the operating rate was 83% in August 2026, while capacity utilization was 68.95%.
Actual tinplate production reached 483,400 tons, down 18,800 tons month-on-month. Meanwhile, inventories at the sampled mills stood at 221,900 tons, down 6,200 tons month-on-month.
According to Mysteel’s survey of major ECCS producers, August ECCS production totaled 137,600 tons, down 4,300 tons month-on-month.
3. Market Data
3.1 Tinplate Exports
China’s tinplate exports totaled 107,400 tons in July 2026, down 47.89% year-on-year.
From January to July 2026, total tinplate exports reached 891,900 tons, down 19.88% year-on-year.
China’s ECCS exports totaled 34,600 tons in July, down 13.20% year-on-year, while January–July exports totaled 280,500 tons, down 18.06% year-on-year.
Over the past five years, China’s tinplate exports have generally followed an upward trend. However, 2026 exports have fallen short of expectations, with July showing a particularly significant decline.
The relatively long production and delivery cycles for export orders, combined with an uncertain external environment, may continue to affect tinplate export performance.
3.2 U.S. Tinplate Imports
U.S. tinplate exports totaled 2,207 tons, down 5.9% month-on-month and 40.6% year-on-year.
Export value was approximately USD 2.6 million, compared with USD 3.0 million in May and USD 4.2 million during the same period last year.
Pakistan was the largest export destination, receiving 448 tons.
U.S. imports of tinplate coil/sheet totaled 52,600 tons in June, down 18.2% month-on-month and 37.5% year-on-year.
Canada was the largest supplier at 12,800 tons, followed by Vietnam at 12,000 tons and South Korea at 10,900 tons.
3.3 China’s Steel Export Data
According to the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA), China’s steel exports reached 10.121 million tons in July 2026, down 1.9% month-on-month but up 2.9% year-on-year.
This marked the third consecutive month with exports above 10 million tons.
From January to July, cumulative steel exports reached 64.995 million tons, down 4.4% year-on-year.
The average export price in July was USD 715.7/ton, up 0.7% month-on-month.
4. Global Policy & Regulatory Developments
4.1 EU Rejects Appeals in Turkish Hot-Rolled Steel Anti-Dumping Cases
On September 3, 2026, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) rejected appeals filed by companies under Çolakoğlu Group and Erdemir Group concerning EU anti-dumping measures on Turkish hot-rolled flat steel products.
The ruling maintains the previous judgment and the existing anti-dumping measures.
4.2 Eurasian Economic Commission Proposes Safeguard Tariff on Tinplate
On August 31, 2026, the Eurasian Economic Commission disclosed the final determination of its safeguard investigation into imported tinplate.
A three-year safeguard measure has been proposed, with a tariff of 25.2% in the first year, decreasing by 1 percentage point each subsequent year.
The measure applies to certain tinplate products under EAEU tariff code 7210 12 2000.
4.3 Indonesia Launches Mid-Term Review of Anti-Dumping Measures on Chinese Tinplate
On June 9, 2026, Indonesia’s Anti-Dumping Committee initiated a mid-term review of anti-dumping measures on tinplate originating from China.
The review will assess whether adjustments are required to the existing anti-dumping duties on Chinese tinplate products.
RIC PACKAGE Insights
With tinplate prices showing signs of recovery, customers with upcoming demand may consider reviewing their purchasing plans in advance. Maintaining an appropriate inventory level can also help reduce the impact of potential price increases and supply fluctuations.
RIC PACKAGE will continue to monitor market trends and provide stable supply and competitive solutions.
DATA FROM@mysteel.com
