World’s largest steelmaker eyes growth despite global trade barriers and output curbs

Baosteel Sees China’s Steel Exports Above 100 Million Tons in 2025.                                                                                                                                                      

China’s largest listed steelmaker, Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. (Baosteel), expects the nation’s steel exports to remain above 100 million metric tons in 2025, even as it monitors possible government curbs on output. A subsidiary of state-owned China Baowu Steel Group, Baosteel highlighted that exports in the first seven months of 2025 rose 11.4% to record highs, despite mounting tariff barriers and tax hurdles. Chairman Jixin Zou noted that exports may ease in Q4 due to higher costs, but the company can already ship 10 million tons annually. Baosteel aims to expand export capacity to 15 million tons by 2026 and 20 million tons by 2028. At the same time, it is bracing for Beijing’s planned steel output cuts to tackle overcapacity and stabilise prices. Despite softer domestic demand and weaker prices, Baosteel posted a 7.4% rise in H1 net profit, underscoring resilience in volatile markets.