Chinese steel traders and mills expanded direct hot-rolled coil (HRC) offers to UAE buyers on a CFR Jebel Ali basis on November 12, 2026, according to Argus Media. The move coincides with an increased number of Chinese-operated vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
UAE buyers turned to direct Jebel Ali shipments to avoid severe port congestion, demurrage fees, and waiting times exceeding 90 days at alternative ports, including Fujairah and locations in Oman. Importers in the UAE have booked an estimated 50,000 tonnes of Chinese HRC over recent weeks, utilizing available berthing capacity at Jebel Ali.
Freight pricing shifted alongside the route adjustments. Standard sea freight from China to the UAE rose to between $80 and $85 per tonne, while direct deliveries through the Strait reached up to $150 per tonne on an all-inclusive basis. Industry sources stated that this direct shipping corridor provides Chinese steel exporters with pricing and delivery advantages over competing suppliers in Middle Eastern markets.
Sources
- Argus Media · 2026-11-12
