China to keep 2022 crude steel output lower

 BEIJING, Apr 19 (Reuters): China's state planner will continue reduce its crude steel output this year and pledged an annual decline, after cutting around 30 million tonnes of production in 2021, an official said on Tuesday.

The world's top steel producer met its annual target last year by slashing steel output to 1.035 billion tonnes from 1.065 billion tonnes in 2020.

The industry has been expecting the government to maintain output controls as it aims to bring its carbon dioxide emissions to a peak by 2030. The ferrous sector contributes some 15 per cent of China's total greenhouse gas discharge. The National Development and Reform Commission would strictly implement requirements in line with energy consumption and environment controls while ensuring the steel sector's supply-side reform, a commission spokeswoman, Meng Wei, told a briefing.