Continue to implement crude steel output regulation and control, and promote the reduction and restructuring of the steel industry

BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) — Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday released the full text of a report by China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) submitted to the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), outlining progress in 2024 and key tasks for 2025 to advance the nation’s economic and social development.

Progress in 2024
The report highlighted significant strides in industrial restructuring and green transition over the past year. Authorities revised capacity replacement measures for steel, cement, and glass industries to phase out outdated and inefficient production. Energy-saving and carbon-reduction campaigns were implemented in key sectors, including Steel, oil refining, synthetic ammonia, cement, electrolytic aluminum, data centers, and coal-fired power. As a result, comprehensive energy consumption per unit product in sectors like crude steel, electrolytic aluminum, cement clinker, and flat glass has reached world-leading levels.

In 2024, the implementation measures for capacity replacement in steel, cement, glass and other industries will be revised to promote the steady exit of backward and inefficient production capacity; In key industries such as iron and steel, oil refining, synthetic ammonia, cement, electrolytic aluminum, data centers, and coal-fired power, special actions for energy conservation and carbon reduction have been implemented, and the comprehensive energy consumption per unit product such as crude steel, electrolytic aluminum, cement clinker, and flat glass is at the world's leading level. Vigorously develop the circular economy, issue opinions on accelerating the construction of a waste recycling system, and promote the recycling of waste such as scrap steel, waste non-ferrous metals, retired power batteries, and construction waste by category.

Efforts to build a circular economy were accelerated, with new guidelines issued to strengthen recycling systems. Targeted measures were rolled out to boost the reuse of scrap steel, non-ferrous metals, decommissioned power batteries, and construction waste.

2025 Roadmap: Structural Reforms and Green Transition
For 2025, the report prioritizes upgrading traditional industries and resolving structural imbalances through stricter regulation and quality-driven reforms. Key measures include:

• Steel Industry Overhaul: Continuation of output controls for crude steel and promotion of capacity consolidation to eliminate redundant competition.

• Sector-Specific Decarbonization: Expanded energy-saving initiatives in high-emission industries, alongside stricter enforcement of capacity replacement policies.

• Circular Economy Expansion: Enhanced recycling networks for industrial and urban waste, with sector-specific strategies to boost resource efficiency.

The NDRC emphasized that these steps aim to balance growth with sustainability, ensuring China’s industrial base remains competitive while meeting dual carbon goals.