Podcast - China's H2 2026 policy priorities point to uneven prospects for energy and chemicals

In the latest episode of Mysteel Commodity Flux, we examine how targeted countercyclical adjustment and a more binding green and low-carbon framework are pulling different parts of the market in different directions.

• Equipment renewal, consumer trade-ins, the "Six Networks" and "AI Plus" are expected to generate firmer demand for selected materials, infrastructure and energy applications.
• Property-linked chemicals, including soda ash, glass and conventional PVC, do not yet have a visible turning point and remain driven by existing fundamentals.
• Any gasoline or gasoil recovery is likely to be mild rather than a rebound, requiring refiners to maintain disciplined throughput and stronger refinery-petrochemical integration.
• Low-carbon compliance is becoming more quantified and binding, with carbon evaluation, product carbon-footprint accounting and supply-chain audits increasingly shaping project approvals, financing and customer access.
• Competition is shifting from a pure cost contest toward a "carbon-asset contest," creating opportunities for efficiency leaders, green hydrogen applications, battery recycling and carbon-management providers.

For the full analysis behind this discussion, contact us at inquiries@mysteel.com for a trial read of the latest China Policy Perspective Report.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify now: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Th7cDlaivdINJaCnTNGUL?si=LDtW_BKBQe-VcrAsgO2nsA