This week, the biggest change for Chinese steel exporters comes from the EU’s new steel origin verification rule effective Oct 1. Importers must declare the melt-and-pour country and submit relevant mill certificates. This tightens origin tracing to block transshipment circumvention, further raising compliance costs for steel shipped to Europe.

Domestic coated coil prices edged down this week. GI and PPGI spot prices weakened slightly on soft end-user demand. Downstream buyers keep just-in-time purchasing, with no large-scale restocking. Nevertheless, China’s FOB quotation advantage remains intact, which supports our export competitiveness for GI, GL, ZAM, PPGI, PPGL and PPZAM.

In Southeast Asia, Thailand released the final anti-circumvention ruling on Chinese hot-dip galvanized cold rolled products this week. Trade barriers keep rising in traditional mature markets, pushing more export volumes toward low-tariff emerging markets including Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. For our business, Thailand remains a core target market; local warehouse & office setup helps shorten delivery and mitigate trade risks.

Looking ahead, exporters will continue two core directions: market diversification and high-value product upgrading. Weather-resistant color-coated sheets for photovoltaic and roofing projects can better absorb tariff pressure and protect profit margin. Q4 will enter the overseas traditional off-season, inventory pressure may rise, and clients will be more sensitive to pricing and delivery lead time.

Sources: SMM, Asian Metal, Ministry of Commerce notices, domestic steel spot monitoring