Infrastructure and manufacturing drive demand, and the structure of steel exports continues to optimize.

In the first quarter of 2026, with the steady progress of infrastructure construction globally, especially in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, and the recovery of overseas manufacturing, my country's steel exports showed a trend of "stable quantity and improved quality." The latest data from the General Administration of Customs shows that although the total steel export volume in January and February decreased slightly year-on-year due to the high base effect, the average export price increased. Industry analysts point out that this signifies that China's steel exports are shifting from simply pursuing quantity to pursuing high added value. The export share of high-value-added products such as automotive panels, electrical steel, and high-end coated steel sheets has increased significantly, while the export share of traditional construction steel is gradually declining. This structural optimization not only enhances the brand image of Chinese steel in the international market but also effectively avoids the risks of trade frictions with some countries targeting low-end products.