CHINA – China on Friday announced that it’ll start to regulate steel exports from 2026, using a licensing system.

A statement by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce reported that 300 steel products will be affected by the regulation, but did not provide information on the reasons for the measures.

The statement said certain products will be added to the list of cargoes under export license management, effective Jan. 1.

Beijing’s move was seen as a response to criticism, particularly in Europe, of cheap steel from China and the excess capacity prevailing in that country.

In the EU, China’s cheap steel is criticized because it is significantly cheaper than competitors’ products, partly due to public subsidies, and because the situation harms the bloc’s industry.

China’s steel exports increased by 6.7% from January – November compared to last year, exceeding 107 million tons, despite high US tariffs.