China’s finished steel exports posted a 13-month high in May, but this trend may change in June and beyond, indicated by a slowdown in order bookings due to weak overseas demand.

          At home front, the picture did not look rosy for China’s steelmakers as well, after buyers imported at the slowest pace not seen since at least 2002 amid poor domestic demand.

          Demand for Chinese steel both in domestic and global markets is expected to remain weak at least through the end of this year, industry sources said.

          The downtrend in steel demand would continue until Chinese mills slash their production, some sources said.