First-quarter steel exports surged 40.7 percent to 25.78 million metric tons as mills responded to weak domestic demand and falling prices, the China Iron and Steel Association said on Wednesday.

"Although domestic steel companies face increasing trade disputes in foreign markets, exports will continue to increase, driven by global demand and the companies' price competitiveness," said CISA Vice-President Zhu Jimin.

The jump in exports also reflected a low base of comparison, he said.