The labor-intensive iron and steel industry, as a symbol of the second industrial revolution, was often associated with images of workers toiling away in mills, sweat pouring down their faces.

ASEAN is the biggest trading partner of Guangdong, one of the major production bases in the world.

The figure accounted for 36.9 percent of the province's total imports and exports.

The coal sub-index slid 5.6 percent to 1,071.72.

The city's total import and export value with ASEAN countries hit 52.3 billion yuan ($7.74 billion) from January to April, up 15.1 percent, year-on-year.

They also said the industry has accelerated structural upgrades to pursue greener growth pathways.

From January to April, Heilongjiang's imports rose 38.9 percent to 63.73 billion yuan, while its exports grew 15.6 percent to 14.04 billion yuan, according to the Harbin customs in the provincial capital.

India's finished steel exports in April fell to their lowest level in five months on weaker demand and increased competitiveness in the international market.