Latest News in the Stainless Steel Industry

India Postpones BIS New Regulations

Foshan Market News, July 13, 2025: India's Ministry of Steel announced on July 7th that it will postpone the implementation of the new full-chain BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification regulations, originally scheduled for June 16th, to mid-October. This provides valuable buffer time for stainless steel exporters.

During this period:Goods in transit and already contracted orders are allowed to clear customs without certification.BIS certification for raw materials will not be mandatory temporarily.BIS has committed to simplifying the certification process (fastest completion in 4 months).
In recent years, the Indian government has continuously upgraded BIS certification requirements for stainless steel imports, expanding from single-product certification to full industry chain traceability. This policy adjustment is seen within the industry as a "targeted restriction" on Chinese stainless steel exports. Under the new rules, Chinese stainless steel companies are almost "locked out," and the traditional route of transshipment trade via Southeast Asia also faces complete blockage.

POSCO Sells ZPSS Stake, Shifts Focus to US and India Markets

Comprehensive Korea Herald News, July 10, 2025: South Korean steel giant POSCO Group has sold its entire stake in its Chinese steel joint venture, marking part of its strategy to divest low-profit businesses and advance its restructuring plan.
According to industry sources on Thursday, POSCO Holdings has signed an agreement to transfer its 82.5% stake in Zhangjiagang Pohang Stainless Steel Co., Ltd. (ZPSS) to China's Tsingshan Holding Group for approximately 400 billion won ($291 million).
ZPSS was established in 1997 to develop the Chinese stainless steel market. The joint venture's shareholding structure was: POSCO Holdings (58.6%), POSCO-China (23.8%), and China's Jiangsu Shagang Group (17.5%).
This decision stems from the large-scale business restructuring led by Chairman Chang In-hwa. He is reallocating resources to high-growth regions like the US and India by disposing of underperforming businesses. By the end of last year, the group had secured 662.5 billion won in cash through the divestment of 45 businesses.
ZPSS has an annual production capacity of 1.1 million tons, exceeding half of South Korea's total domestic stainless steel output. In 2006, it evolved into POSCO's first integrated stainless steel production base outside Korea.
However, the business has struggled in recent years due to persistent oversupply in the steel industry. Last year, its annual sales fell 9% year-on-year to 3.42 trillion won, with a net loss of 129.9 billion won. Cumulative losses since 2022 have reached 377.2 billion won.

Philippines' Nickel Ore Exports to Indonesia May Surge 10-Fold

Comprehensive Foreign Media, July 11, 2025: According to Tulsi Das Reyes, head of the mining division of Philippine mining firm DMCI Holdings Inc., nickel ore exports from the Philippines to Indonesia are expected to see significant growth in 2025. This surge aims to meet the demand from Chinese-owned refineries following adjustments to Indonesia's domestic nickel ore production policies.
Data shows that Philippine nickel ore exports to Indonesia were about 1 million tons at the end of 2023. Reyes predicts this figure could climb to between 5 million and 10 million tons this year, representing a 5 to 10-fold increase.
Analysts point out that Indonesia, as a major global nickel ore producer, has significantly impacted the global nickel supply chain with its policy adjustments. Against this backdrop, the rapid growth in Philippine nickel exports reflects both regional supply chain adjustments and underscores the crucial role of Chinese enterprises in the global new energy industry chain.
Nickel, a vital raw material for stainless steel and power batteries, has seen consistently strong demand in recent years driven by the development of the new energy industry.
China, as the world's largest nickel consumer, sees its companies' industrial layouts in Southeast Asia significantly influencing regional resource trade patterns.