As we step into 2026, China has implemented a significant adjustment to its steel export management system. To help our international clients and partners navigate this change with confidence, this article breaks down the official policy, its rationale, and the positive outlook for global trade.
The Official Policy: What Has Changed?
On December 12, 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and General Administration of Customs (GAC) jointly issued Announcement No. 79 of 2025. According to the official release published by China Customs:
“The Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs have decided to adjust the ‘Catalogue of Goods Subject to Export License Administration (2025)’ by including certain steel products into the catalogue.”
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Key Requirement:
Exporters of the specified steel products must now submit:
1. A valid **export contract**; and
2. A **product quality inspection certificate** issued by the manufacturer to apply for an export license.
The licenses are issued by MOFCOM, its authorized local counterparts in provinces and select sub-provincial cities (e.g., Shenyang, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Chengdu), or the License Certificate Bureau for central SOEs.
For full details, please refer to the official documents:
– **China Customs (WeChat Official):https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/jc_nmlzUEElG43A8NQdZeQ?click_id=1&from=industrynews&color_scheme=light
– **Ministry of Commerce Official Gazette:http://www.mofcom.gov.cn/zcfb/dwmygl/art/2025/art_bbdb0ae19aac4c22aaf4e044908324eb.html
How International Media Interpreted This Move
While some international reports initially viewed the policy through a cautious lens, the long-term logic points toward **industrial upgrading**.
**Reuters** reported on December 12, 2025, that China would “require export licenses for some steel products,” noting the market’s immediate reaction. Similarly, **S&P Global Commodity Insights** observed that “Asian ferrous markets turn cautious” following the announcement.
*Note: The full text of the Reuters and S&P Global articles could not be directly retrieved via API, but their headlines and summaries reflect the initial market sentiment.*
What This Really Means: Quality over Quantity
This policy is not a ban. It is a standardization mechanism. By requiring quality inspection certificates, China is ensuring that only compliant, high-standard steel enters the international market. This shift benefits global buyers by:
1. Reducing the risk of substandard shipments;
2. Enhancing traceability and supply chain credibility; and
3. Aligning* with global trends toward green and sustainable development.
A Positive Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
China remains a reliable and stable supplier of steel to the world. This licensing system enhances transparency and reinforces our commitment to fair trade. For overseas buyers, working with **certified, compliant Chinese suppliers** has never been more straightforward.