In spite of a recovery in the export of steel from China this January, exporters were not optimistic about the overseas markets in the future because of rampant trade barriers, weak external demand and the increasing lack of competition for Chinese-made products.

There are lots of uncertainties ahead as the economic recovery in the Unite States and Europe is slow. The level of demand for steel remains low in the international market. US imposition of antidumping duties on Chinese-made drill pipe and drill collar in February represented the latest trade remedy case launched by the American government against steel products from China. In addition, export tax reforms of last year and a stronger yuan dented producers’ ability to compete in the international market.