Industry News

China's Steel Export Licensing Policy (2026 Implementation)

January 1, 2026

Effective January 1, 2026, China has reintroduced export licensing requirements for steel products after a 16-year suspension, covering 300 steel product categories (a core detailed list specifies 268 types). Rolled out by Chinese authorities and backed by the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA), the policy aims to regulate the steel export market, promote the high-quality development of the domestic steel industry, and proactively curb international trade frictions— a response to the prior trend of "rising export volumes but falling prices" of Chinese steel that triggered trade disputes, especially in emerging markets.

The export license is valid for 6 months; for certain trade types, it can be used up to 12 times within the validity period.

Enterprises are required to submit supporting documents including export contracts and quality inspection certificates for license applications, with an official online application process available; businesses are advised to conduct self-inspections of product classifications and master the application procedure in advance.

China exported nearly 108 million tons of steel in the first 11 months of the year, up 6.7 percent from a year earlier, according to GAC data. For the full year, exports are expected to set a new record of 115 million tons.

The licensing system is a proactive measure by China to govern steel trade disputes, which will help standardize export order, optimize the structure of steel export products, and ease trade tensions with emerging market partners, while laying a foundation for the long-term healthy development of China's steel export industry.