VSA, CISA hold steel dialogue to strengthen industry ties

Source: Vietnam Steel Association

Vietnam's steel sector has expanded fast this year, yet trade tensions are mounting, according to the VSA. The country's crude steel output leaped by 29.1% to 23.21 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2026, while net steel imports narrowed to 2.69 million tonnes from 6.03 million in all of 2025. Over January-September, Vietnam experienced 27 foreign trade defense cases, with 12 targeted against the country's steel products.

Also, Vietnam has initiated 13 trade defense cases against imported steel products, 8 of which concern China. The figures indicate that trade defense measures are becoming one of the key issues affecting production activities, imports and exports, and the long-term development strategy of Vietnam's steel industry.

According to data released by the CISA during the dialogue, China's apparent steel consumption reached approximately 625 million tonnes in the first nine months of this year, down 3.8% year on year, while steel exports also declined by 2.6% to 85.64 million tonnes. Although the market is undergoing a period of adjustment, China is still projected to maintain steel consumption above 800 million tonnes per year during the 2026–2030 period, it added.

Regarding the long-term pathway for emissions reduction, CISA introduced a roadmap outlining CO2 emission reduction targets relative to 2020 levels: 15% by 2030, 40% by 2040, 85% by 2050, and 95% by 2060.

Both associations agreed that the exchange was valuable and pledged to keep talking - with deeper discussions ahead on markets, trade policy, production technology, and the green transition.