Steel Exports “Re-locked”? Export License Reinstated from 2026 – How Will It Impact You?

In 2025, China’s steel industry ushered in a major policy shift. According to Announcement No. 79 of 2025 jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs, starting from January 1, 2026, export license administration will be reinstated for approximately 300 tariff codes of steel products. This means that steel exports have returned to the “quota era”. Especially for foreign trade enterprises engaged in bulk exports such as plates and coils, sections, and long products, the impact is not to be underestimated. It is equivalent to adding a “administrative approval + quota review” barrier to steel exports. The impact will be particularly significant for enterprises exporting the following types of products: Projects under FOB terms, with short lead times, or negotiated prices will face higher risks. According to the “Work Plan for Stabilizing Growth in the Steel Industry (2025–2026)” issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the core orientation is: This means: Prioritize the development of products in the following directions: High value-added + Technological content + Green and low-carbon = Policy-friendly export portfolio Suppose you export stainless steel hot-rolled plates and coils to European customers: ✅ Original process: Sign contract ➝ Place order ➝ Customs declaration ➝ Export New process: Sign contract ➝ Confirm steel mill ➝ Obtain quality inspection certificate ➝ Submit export license application (1–2 months) ➝ Conduct customs declaration only after approval ➝ Export ✅ Alternative approach: Upgrade hot-rolled plates and coils to precision strips, stampings, or processed components to avoid license control and increase profit margins. Whether you export stainless steel, alloys, titanium materials, or aluminum materials, you should promptly assess the impact of this policy adjustment on your business and make early arrangements to adapt to the new normal of exports after 2026. It is recommended to save and share with peers to prepare in advance and avoid pitfalls. To obtain the original text of Announcement No. 79 and the list of tariff codes, you can leave a comment “license list”, and I will send the PDF version via private message. Welcome to follow this channel for the latest interpretations of foreign trade policies and practical operation suggestions. Would you like me to help you sort out a key point summary table of the policy (including affected product categories, process changes, and response strategies) for quick reference in business meetings?