Posted on 25 Feb 2026
China Steel Chair Huang Chien-chih (黃建智) said the company will expand its high-end steel products to strengthen operations amid geopolitical shifts and potential uncertainties from US tariffs, CNA reported.
Huang said the steel sector faced significant challenges last year, citing weak global demand that led to overcapacity, the appreciation of the Taiwan dollar, and mounting costs linked to the green transition. These factors weighed heavily on profitability, he said.
Huang noted that some of the challenges have begun to ease this year, but shifts in US tariff policy could still affect the sector. The US Supreme Court on Friday ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority by using the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs, prompting the administration to turn to Section 122 of US trade law to implement a temporary 10% global tariff.
To offset the impact of the 50% US tariffs on imported steel, the company has reshaped its export strategy. It is also targeting new markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Last year, China Steel shipped about 787,000 tonnes of high-end steel, accounting for 11.5% of total sales but contributing over 90% of gross profit. Huang said the company will focus production on steel for drones, robotics, EVs, and low-orbit satellites to boost sales.
In November, the company developed five electromagnetic steel products, which are being advanced toward the industry’s thinnest standard of 0.1 mm. The ultra-thin steel sheets can be used in EVs, drones, and robotic motors.
Huang added that the government introduced tariffs of up to 20.15% last year on imports of Chinese steel and electromagnetic steel to counter low-cost competition, noting that the measure helps protect the domestic steel sector.
The company plans to counter low-priced competition from China by enhancing product quality through portfolio optimization and customized services. It reported revenue of NT$317.16 billion (US$10.1 billion) last year, down 12% from 2024, and a net loss of NT$3.9 billion. Huang expects sales to improve this year.
Source:Taiwan News
