The domestic steel industry is showing a trend of recovery in 2026 amid China’s easing of supply and its protective measures. According to data released by the Korea Steel Association, domestic firms are displaying a tendency toward differentiated strategies across various business areas in order to increase sales volume. In particular, major products such as hot‑rolled plates, structural steel, welded pipes and bolting have become less price‑volatile as their demand increases.
In the industrial sector overall, China’s large‑scale supply easing and protective measures are manifesting a clear effect on domestic firms, exerting great pressure on production volume and material costs. Accordingly, the Korea Steel Association has set up strategies to secure supply chains and reduce material costs, while domestic firms are pushing improvements in logistics through large‑scale supply and strengthening their supply networks. Moreover, domestic firms are enhancing efforts to prepare for market swings through new product development, adjustment of supply volumes and pricing tactics.
Recently, the domestic steel industry is pursuing simultaneously a reduction in price volatility and a strengthening of competition among companies while recouping sales volume. This has manifested itself practically in reduced production costs and improved logistics, thereby forming confidence in the domestic market. In particular, the domestic steel industry seeks to recoup demand together with easing China’s supply and a reduction in price volatility. This is the result of a strategic response by the Korean industrial sector.
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