Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other departments have issued the "Steel Industry Stabilization and Growth Work Plan (2025-2026)", providing policy guidance for the development of China's steel industry, which is currently facing significant downward pressure due to oversupply and insufficient effective demand [1][3]. Industry Growth Targets - The plan sets an average annual growth target of approximately 4% for the steel industry's added value over the next two years, aiming for economic benefits to stabilize and recover [3]. - The China Iron and Steel Association indicates that while steel consumption demand is expected to decline in 2025, the reduction in supply will be more significant, optimizing the supply-demand relationship and boosting industry expectations [3]. Structural Improvement - 2024 is projected to be a turning point for the structure of China's steel products, with the output of medium-thick wide steel strips expected to exceed 200 million tons, surpassing rebar for the first time [5]. - The proportion of construction steel and industrial steel is expected to achieve a "50-50" split, reflecting a shift driven by adjustments in the real estate sector and industrial upgrades [5]. Production and Consumption Trends - In 2024, China's crude steel production is forecasted to be 1.005 billion tons, a decrease of 1.7% year-on-year, while domestic consumption is expected to drop by over 4% [6]. - The long-term trend indicates a decline in the demand for ordinary steel, but a slight recovery is anticipated in the coming years after adjustments [6]. Technological Advancements - The steel industry has made significant technological progress, overcoming previous challenges in producing high-end steel products, with 153 new products launched by leading steel companies by 2025 [7]. - The industry has entered a phase of quality leadership, focusing on high-end, intelligent, and green production rather than merely scaling up [6][7]. Environmental Upgrades - The steel industry has made notable advancements in ultra-low emissions, with significant investments leading to improved environmental performance, surpassing global standards [8]. - By the end of 2025, the industry aims to complete ultra-low emission transformations for over 80% of its capacity, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental sustainability [8]. Corporate Transformations - Many steel companies are actively transforming to adapt to changes in steel demand driven by economic restructuring, focusing on high-value-added products [9][10]. - Companies like Shagang and Hualing Steel have successfully shifted from traditional construction steel to manufacturing steel, maintaining stable sales even in a challenging market [10][11]. - Baosteel is leveraging AI technology to optimize processes and reduce costs, demonstrating the industry's embrace of digital transformation [11].

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other departments have issued a "Steel Industry Stabilization and Growth Work Plan (2025-2026)" to provide policy guidance for the development of China's steel industry, addressing challenges such as excessive supply and insufficient effective demand [1][2]. Industry Growth Targets - The plan sets an annual average growth target of approximately 4% for the steel industry's added value over the next two years, aiming for economic stability and recovery [2]. - The China Iron and Steel Association expresses confidence in achieving this target due to improving economic conditions and ongoing upgrades in the steel industry [2]. Structural Improvements - 2024 is projected to be a turning point for the structure of China's steel products, with the production of medium-thick wide steel strips expected to exceed 200 million tons, surpassing rebar for the first time [4]. - The ratio of construction steel to industrial steel is expected to reach a balanced "50-50" for the first time, reflecting a shift driven by real estate adjustments and industrial upgrades [4]. Demand and Supply Dynamics - Domestic steel demand has decreased by 160 million tons compared to peak levels, with crude steel production expected to decline to 1.005 billion tons in 2024, a 1.7% decrease from the previous year [4]. - The industry anticipates a gradual stabilization of total steel demand over the next decade, with projections indicating a decline to 880 million tons by 2030 and 820 million tons by 2035 [6]. Technological Advancements - The steel industry has made significant technological progress, with Chinese companies now capable of producing high-end steel products that were previously reliant on imports [7]. - By 2025, leading global steel companies are expected to have launched 153 new steel products, showcasing advancements driven by independent research and development [7]. Environmental Upgrades - The steel industry has made notable strides in achieving ultra-low emissions, with significant investments leading to improved environmental performance [8]. - By the end of 2025, the industry aims to complete ultra-low emission upgrades for over 80% of its production capacity, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development [8]. Corporate Transformations - Many steel companies are actively transforming their product structures to adapt to changing demand, focusing on high-value-added products such as plates and specialty steels [9][10]. - Companies like Shagang and Hualing Steel have successfully shifted from traditional construction steel to manufacturing steel, demonstrating resilience in a challenging market [9][10]. AI Integration - Domestic steel enterprises are increasingly adopting AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency, with Baosteel launching an AI transformation project that aims to cover over 85% of key processes by mid-2025 [11]. - AI applications have proven beneficial in areas such as scrap steel evaluation, showcasing the industry's commitment to innovation and modernization [11].

Core Viewpoint - Shandong Steel Co., Ltd. has significantly invested in R&D and is transforming into a high-end, intelligent, and green steel production leader, aligning with the industrial development strategy of Jinan City [2][3][4] Group 1: R&D and Innovation - The company has invested over 20 billion yuan in R&D, accounting for more than 4% of its revenue [2][3] - It has established the Jinan Boutique Steel Industry Technology Research Institute and has undertaken 4 national key R&D projects and 9 provincial key R&D plans [3] - The company has developed a series of industry-leading products, including marine engineering steel and wind power steel, with the Q500MPa wind power steel plate being a global first [3] Group 2: Digital Transformation - The company is implementing information technology upgrades, utilizing big data, cloud computing, and 5G to create a smart factory environment [4] - It has launched 22 AI-related projects this year, with plans to complete at least 10 applications by the end of the year [4] - The production base has been recognized as a provincial-level smart factory [4] Group 3: Green Development - The company has invested over 14 billion yuan in green development initiatives, with more than 6 billion yuan allocated to the Jinan Steel City base [4] - It has achieved an A-level environmental performance nationwide and is actively promoting green manufacturing and products [4] - The company is focused on developing a circular economy and has established five major circular chains for efficient resource and energy utilization [4]