Starting January 1, 2026, China will require new export licenses for 268 types of steel products, as stated in the MOFCOM Announcement No. 79 (2025).

This rule covers everything—from recycled scrap and steel billets to high-end alloy pipes. It’s not just paperwork. It shows China is moving away from “export as much as possible” toward higher quality, cleaner production, and full traceability.

For ferroalloy makers, this is both a challenge and a chance.

How Will This New Export License Rule Affect You

Steel mills can’t just ship any product overseas anymore. To get an export license, they must prove their steel meets strict standards—including using certified recycled materials and reducing carbon emissions. That means they’re now demanding cleaner, more consistent, and fully traceable ferroalloys from their suppliers.