Luo Tiejun, vice chairman of the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA), met with Ding Liguo, chairman of Delong Steel Industry Group, on September 18 to discuss promoting the healthy development of the steel industry and responding to the rapid rise in coking coal prices.

Luo said steel companies are facing mounting operating pressure and are attempting transformation and restructuring, but confront numerous challenges. He urged Delong Steel to leverage its experience and contribute more policy suggestions to the industry.

Regarding the recent sharp surge in coking coal prices, Luo said CISA has actively conveyed industry demands to relevant government departments, recommending a coordinated approach to development and safety, faster resumption of production to stabilize output, and expanded imports.

Ding said steel companies are actively pursuing national green and low-carbon development requirements, and predicted that gaps between companies in this area will narrow. He said coordinated development across the industrial chain is key.

Ding noted that energy is the foundation of China's steel and manufacturing sectors, and stable energy supply is critical to manufacturing competitiveness and national competitiveness. He recommended eliminating coal import tariffs for all countries to accelerate import expansion, and said energy product imports should also be increased from the perspective of reducing China's trade surplus.

He also said weak steel demand is expected to persist for some time, and recommended that steel companies step up production cuts to adapt to demand changes and promote supply-demand balance.