At the beginning of 2026, there will be significant fluctuations in China's steel export market. Affected by the formal implementation of the export license management system, the weekly export volume in January decreased by more than one-third compared to last year's high point. This policy covers 300 customs coded products such as pig iron, steel billets, and hot-rolled coils, marking the industry's transition from the past expansion of "increasing quantity and decreasing price" to value creation for high-quality development.
1. Short term fluctuations during the policy adaptation period
The new policy covers 300 customs coded products and severely cracks down on grey channels such as paid exports. In the early stages of implementation, some enterprises encountered difficulties in adapting due to incomplete qualifications or unfamiliar processes, resulting in delayed data reflection. However, in the long run, the overall competitiveness of Chinese steel has significantly increased, and the total export volume has maintained a rapid growth trend. With the streamlining of compliance processes, short-term fluctuations will quickly stabilize.
2. China's steel industry is moving towards high-quality development centered on green and value
In line with the global carbon neutrality goal: actively promote green and low-carbon export models, and reduce the disorderly flow of high energy consuming products from the source.
Value orientation: The industry's focus is further tilted towards product quality and compliance services. For buyers, the focus of their procurement strategy will shift from simply comparing prices to seeking more stable delivery.
The paradigm of "safe going global" during the policy transition period is currently in a period of policy adjustment in the industry. MTSCO, with its long-term adherence to compliant operations, has taken the lead in achieving a smooth transition between old and new policies.
Compliant shipment with zero delay: MTSCO has successfully obtained the first batch of export licenses under the new regulations, and the licensed goods have been cleared and shipped smoothly.
Standardization of processes: By deeply integrating the 3-5 working day application process into our internal standard operating procedures (SOP), our logistics system continues to operate efficiently on a regular basis, ensuring zero disruption to global business.
Full Element Product Matrix: Our product line not only covers conventional stainless steel seamless pipes and welded pipes, but also extends to fittings, flanges, wires, and plates.
Despite the short-term setback in export data, this is an important opportunity for the industry to move towards high-quality transformation. MTSCO will continue to focus on global projects, providing SAFE (Service, Advanced, Focus, Efficiency) supply chain assurance to global customers with a complete range of product categories and a robust compliance system.