🔧 The Chinese mainland has announced that starting January 1, 2026, an export licensing system will be required for certain steel products. This move, jointly declared by the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs, is all about bringing more order to the steel trade.
📝 Under the new rules, foreign trade operators must submit an export contract and a product quality inspection certificate from the manufacturer when applying for licenses. These steps aim to make sure every shipment meets the standards set in the 2025 catalog of goods requiring export licenses.
🌐 Steel is a critical industrial raw material and a major export for the Chinese mainland. From January to October 2025, the Chinese mainland’s total exports of steel products—ranging from primary to finished steel—reached $74.74 billion. That’s proof of how Chinese steel is powering global supply chains and driving international cooperation.
⏳ Since 2022, shifts in domestic demand and supply have driven steel export volumes up even as prices fell. The complex trade chain made it hard for manufacturers to track products, which sometimes slowed down healthy industry growth. The new licensing system is designed to clear up these challenges.
📈 The China Iron and Steel Industry Association says this system is key to standardizing exports and promoting high-quality development. By helping to balance global supply and stabilize trade, the Chinese mainland is underlining its role as a responsible major power. Stay tuned for how this policy shapes the steel market in 2026 and beyond!
Reference(s):
China to implement export licensing for selected steel products
cgtn.com
