时隔16年重启“许可证”管理 破解中国钢铁出口双重困局

Core Viewpoint - The announcement by the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs regarding the implementation of export license management for certain steel products starting January 1, 2026, marks a significant regulatory shift in China's steel industry, aiming to address the dual challenges of increasing export volume and declining prices while managing trade disputes [1]. Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The new policy reintroduces export license management for the first time in 16 years, indicating a proactive approach to regulate the steel export market amidst rising trade barriers and anti-dumping cases [1]. - The announcement covers a wide range of products, including 300 customs commodity codes, ensuring comprehensive coverage from raw materials to finished steel products [1]. Group 2: Quality Management - A key feature of the new policy is the requirement for exporters to provide a "product quality inspection certificate" issued by the manufacturer when applying for export licenses, which is seen as a critical measure to enhance product quality and traceability [2]. - The policy emphasizes environmental standards, particularly for recycled steel materials, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability [2]. Group 3: Management Structure - The new regulation adopts a tiered licensing model, ensuring both uniformity in oversight and flexibility in execution [3]. Group 4: Strategic Implications - The policy is aligned with national "dual carbon" goals, as 2025 marks the year the steel industry enters the national carbon market, and 2026 will see the implementation of the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism [4]. - It aims to prioritize domestic demand for steel products, guiding the industry towards upgrading and reducing reliance on traditional markets, while promoting innovation and brand development in emerging markets [4]. - The transition to a licensed export system is expected to end chaotic competition and facilitate China's evolution from a major steel exporter to a strong exporter with higher quality and better structure [4].