Southeast Asian trade officials want to establish a regional steel council to coordinate industry policies across member nations. Investment deputy minister Liew Chin Tong said the proposed body would address capacity management, carbon reduction targets, building standards, technical cooperation, and trade disputes. Representatives from the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar attended initial discussions about creating formal government channels beyond existing private sector networks.
Malaysia plans to invite China into the framework after recent meetings impressed officials with Chinese steel sector expertise. Regional steel consumption reached 74 million tonnes in 2023 among the six major ASEAN economies, approaching the pre-pandemic levels of 80 million tonnes from 2018 to 2019. The Philippines will host follow-up discussions next year during its term as ASEAN chair. Liew announced these developments at the Malaysian Iron and Steel Industry Federation annual dinner.
Malaysia plans to invite China into the framework after recent meetings impressed officials with Chinese steel sector expertise. Regional steel consumption reached 74 million tonnes in 2023 among the six major ASEAN economies, approaching the pre-pandemic levels of 80 million tonnes from 2018 to 2019. The Philippines will host follow-up discussions next year during its term as ASEAN chair. Liew announced these developments at the Malaysian Iron and Steel Industry Federation annual dinner.
