The 10th Stainless Steel Industry Development Conference was held in Beijing from January 8 to 9, 2026. Jointly organized by the Sichuan Provincial Stainless Steel Industry Chamber of Commerce and the Foshan Metal Materials Industry Association, the conference brought together over 350 representatives from upstream and downstream enterprises, associations, and research institutions to discuss the industry's development strategy.

China's stainless steel industry has evolved over decades to become a global powerhouse in both production and consumption. By 2025, China's stainless steel output is projected to reach 42 million tons, accounting for approximately 64% of the global total. When including overseas capacity owned by Chinese companies, stainless steel produced by entities with Chinese backgrounds already constitutes over 70% of the world's supply. Facing challenges such as production growth outpacing consumption and persistent price pressures, the industry urgently needs to explore new applications and expand market opportunities.

Experts at the conference emphasized that expanding application scenarios is key to driving industrial upgrading. Stainless steel is accelerating its penetration into green energy sectors (such as photovoltaic mounting systems and hydrogen storage/transportation), high-end construction (including curtain walls, roofing, and water supply systems), and consumer goods markets, leveraging its superior properties including corrosion resistance, high strength, and 100% recyclability. Particularly in building water supply systems, the market outlook for stainless steel pipes and water tanks is promising, driven by rising water quality standards and ongoing urban renewal initiatives.

The meeting emphasized that “going global” is a crucial pathway for enterprises to navigate domestic competition and expand growth opportunities. Companies must prioritize compliance, technological synergy, and low-carbon transformation in their overseas operations to enhance international competitiveness. Meanwhile, green and intelligent transformation has become an industry consensus. Innovative technologies such as short-process steelmaking, ultra-low emission retrofits, and methanol-based hydrogen production are helping enterprises reduce costs, improve efficiency, and strengthen the low-carbon advantages of stainless steel.

During the conference, companies that demonstrated outstanding performance in brand building and marketing innovation within the industry were also recognized, injecting new momentum into the sector's advancement toward high-end and international development.