Hebei Launches Vertical Large Model Application Service Platform for Steel Industry to Promote AI-Driven Intelligent Transformation of Steel Sector

The successful hosting of this event marks the beginning of an accelerated phase in the digital transformation of Hebei Province's steel industry. With the implementation of the vertical large-scale model application service platform, artificial intelligence technology will penetrate more deeply into ironmaking, steelmaking, rolling, and service processes, driving the steel industry's transformation from "scale-driven" to "innovation-driven." In the future, Hebei Province will continue to deepen collaboration among government, industry, academia, research, and application, creating a leading national demonstration zone for the digital transformation of the steel industry and injecting strong momentum into the high-quality development of the manufacturing sector.

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Forging the Pillars of a Strong Nation, Leading the Green Future with Intelligence – Decoding the Steel Industry’s Leap in Sci-Tech Innovation During the 14th Five-Year Plan Period

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China's steel industry achieved a comprehensive transformation through technological innovation. Breakthroughs were made in key technologies such as high-end plate surface treatment and hydrogen-based direct reduction of iron, driving industrial upgrading; 5G, artificial intelligence, and digital twins were used to reshape the intelligent manufacturing system, improving efficiency and leading the formulation of international standards; ultra-low emission and low-carbon processes were comprehensively promoted, and over 100 green factories were built; and innovation vitality was stimulated by the integration of industry, academia, and research, and a young talent pool. Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the industry focuses on goals such as zero-carbon demonstration and independent control of strategic materials, and is moving from the world's largest producer to a high ground for metallurgical technological innovation, supporting sustainable development with green and intelligent technologies.

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January 26, 2026: Steel Industry Decarbonization, Geopolitics, and Structural Restructuring

In 2026, the global steel industry is undergoing a profound transformation, with its landscape facing restructuring driven by both decarbonization and geopolitical fluctuations. China continues to advance supply-side reforms, leading to increased capacity concentration and accounting for nearly half of global green technology investment. However, EU carbon barriers are pushing up export costs. The market is showing signs of differentiation: bulk steel prices are weakening, while demand for high-end products is strong; supply chain regionalization is evident, with companies responding to trade frictions through localized strategies. In the future, green development, intelligent manufacturing, and regional specialization will define a new industry order, and balancing emissions reduction and growth will be a long-term challenge.

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January 19, 2026: Steel Industry Faces Consolidation and Challenges: Winter Stockpiling Begins, SOE Restructuring, and Market Trends Under the Shadow of Global Tariffs

In early 2026, China's steel industry presented a complex picture amidst the interplay of multiple forces. The domestic market exhibited a divergence, with weak futures and stable spot prices, reflecting both cautious market expectations and cost support. At the macro level, the central bank's liquidity injections provided support to the industry, while the 15th Five-Year Plan indicated a shift towards high-quality and high-value-added production. At the industry level, the accelerated restructuring of central state-owned enterprises aimed to enhance their control over iron ore resources, but high winter inventory levels limited the potential for a steel price rebound. Internationally, rising global trade protectionism brought uncertainty to China's steel exports. The consolidation and adjustment of China's steel industry may lead to narrow price fluctuations in the short term, but in the long term, it focuses on increasing concentration and competitiveness. This transformation process will continue to influence the global steel supply and demand landscape and trade flows.

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January 12, 2026 China Steel Industry Weekly Review: Policy and Market Drive Dual-wheel Development, Industry Enters New High-Quality Development Stage

I. Intensive Macro-Policy Adjustments Reshape Industry Dynamics Last week saw the release of several significant macro-policies with profound implications for the steel sector. The Ministry of Commerce’s announcement of strengthened export controls on dual-use items to Japan underscores the strategic priority of national security, which may indirectly affect trade flows for high-end specialty steels. Concurrently, […]

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Hebei’s 90-Day Staggered Production Launch Sparks Global Supply Concerns, International Macro Changes Reshape Steel Market Ecosystem

At the beginning of 2026, multiple international and domestic factors intertwined and impacted the global steel market. Domestically, five cities in Hebei Province activated emergency responses to heavy pollution, coupled with 90-day staggered production plans in many areas during the first quarter, triggering expectations of tightening supply. Six leading steel companies, including Baowu and Ansteel, collectively raised their January ex-factory prices. Internationally, the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) officially entered its charging period, which will reshape the global steel trade landscape. Macroeconomically, strong US employment data and geopolitical events increased uncertainty, while domestic investment in major infrastructure projects and the trade-in program provided support for domestic demand. The current market is characterized by "weak profits and tight balance," with divergent raw material trends. It is expected that steel prices will fluctuate within a range in the short term due to the interplay of bullish and bearish factors.

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Environmental Pressure and Supply-Demand Dynamics Drive the Steel Industry into Year-End Restructuring Mode

In response to severe air pollution, many regions across China have implemented environmental protection-related production restrictions. Simultaneously, national policies continue to promote a balance between supply and demand and structural optimization in the steel industry. Against this backdrop, steel production has contracted significantly, with blast furnace operating rates hitting record lows and daily pig iron production remaining low for ten consecutive weeks. The industry currently faces multiple challenges, including insufficient demand during the off-season, narrowing profit margins for steel mills (profit margin of only 37.23%), and squeezed costs and profits. Looking ahead, given the combined effects of limited supply, weak demand, and cautious market sentiment, steel prices are expected to continue fluctuating within a range in the near term.

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