Tangshan in China is implementing a short-term cut in steel production

In addition, a number of Chinese steelworks began maintenance work as early as the beginning of July

The Chinese city of Tangshan is introducing a short-term cut in steel production. This was reported by Steel Orbis, citing industry sources.

Local steelworks are to suspend or reduce production from 25 July until midday on 29 July. Blast furnaces are to cut output by 20%, whilst sintering plants and lime kilns are to reduce output by 40%.

Steelworks have confirmed that they have received the relevant notification. Some plants have already halted production to carry out maintenance on their blast furnaces. Others will adjust production volumes in line with the requirements or will rotate blast furnace downtime.

In addition, some Chinese steelworks voluntarily began maintenance work as early as the beginning of July to minimise losses and ease supply-side pressure on the market.

Demand for steel in the country currently remains limited, and this situation is likely to persist in the short term. As one source told Steel Orbis, the production cuts were expected, and prices for steel products may only change if the cost of coke and iron ore falls.

It should be noted that in January–June 2026, China reduced its steel output by 3% year-on-year – to 499.95 million tonnes. Pig iron production in the first half of the year fell by 2.8% year-on-year – to 426.64 million tonnes, whilst rolled steel production fell by 0.9% year-on-year – to 718.78 million tonnes.