CHINA’S steel exports soared steeply in the first nine months, as the steel association warned it will actively defend its interests against any anti-dumping measures.

China exported 28.6 million tons of steel products in the period from January to September, up 81 percent from a year earlier, the China Daily reported, citing the China Iron and Steel Association.

“The rapid growth was mainly the result of strong global demand for steel products and much higher prices on the international steel market,” the paper said, citing Luo Bingsheng, vice chairman of the association.

International prices have exceeded domestic prices by up to US$150 per ton this fall, encouraging Chinese companies to export, the paper reported.

The trend has been a source of considerable concern among foreign steelmakers, including those in the United States where steel imports from China rose 192 percent in September from the same month a year ago.

“We hope our disputes with foreign countries on steel exports will be resolved through dialogue,” said Luo.

“However, Chinese steel companies will actively respond to any anti-dumping charges to protect our legal interests,” he said.

While steel exports were up sharply, imports of steel products tumbled 29.3 percent in the first nine months to 14.1 million tons, according to the China Daily.

The paper said the government had introduced measures to curb steel exports, including a reduction in tax incentives for producers in effect since the middle of September.

(SD-Agencies)