China tightens steel export controls.

VTV.vn - According to an announcement by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, approximately 300 steel products will be subject to export licensing regulations starting January 1, 2026.

China tightens steel export controls.

Exporters will have to apply for licenses based on export contracts and quality inspection certificates from manufacturers. The announcement comes as China is on track to set a record for steel exports in 2025, with export volumes exceeding 107 million tons in the first 11 months of the year. This strong export flow is also prompting many countries to strengthen trade protection measures to safeguard their domestic steel industries. The China Iron and Steel Association explained that the new measure aims to "maintain the balance of global supply, demand, and trade."

China's steel exports have shown surprising resilience since 2023. Exports in the first 11 months of 2025 increased by 6.7% year-on-year to 107.72 million tons, keeping total annual volume on track to reach a record high.

Strong steel exports have helped offset some of the declining domestic demand caused by the prolonged real estate market downturn.

However, the increase in exports has also led countries to erect more trade barriers, arguing that the influx of cheap goods is harming domestic producers.

In the domestic market, the massive export of certain low-value-added semi-finished steel products such as steel billets has drawn criticism from market participants and associations, who argue that it is a waste of valuable resources, such as iron ore.

Source: https://vtv.vn/trung-quoc-siet-chat-xuat-khau-thep-100251216093045367.htm