The steel structures market in China is estimated at 100 million tonnes

In 2026, China’s steel structures sector is expected to see steady growth in demand, which remains one of the key pillars of domestic steel consumption, with an annual volume of around 100 million tonnes. However, the market is undergoing a clear structural shift: away from traditional civil engineering towards the new energy sector, high-tech manufacturing and infrastructure. 

Sheet and processed sheet steel account for 60–70% of the total volume of steel used in steel structures. Due to the ongoing contraction in the residential construction sector, the main drivers of growth are renewable energy projects, industrial facilities, data centres and transport infrastructure.

Key areas of consumption:

1. Industrial construction and IT. Thanks to the development of industrial parks, cold-storage logistics centres and data centres, the use of all-steel frames – which ensure rapid assembly – is expanding.

2. Energy infrastructure. This sector is expected to become the strongest driver of growth. The production of solar mounting systems, wind turbines and substations is significantly increasing demand for hot-rolled and galvanised coils, as well as heavy plate.

3. Transport and urban infrastructure. The construction of bridges, railway stations and sports facilities ensures stable consumption of heavy sections and pipes, although this depends on funding schedules.

At the same time, the qualitative structure of consumption is changing: the share of high-strength steel grades (above Q355), weather-resistant and corrosion-resistant alloys is growing. In the long term, China’s decarbonisation policy and the development of prefabricated construction will contribute to a further increase in the share of steel structures in the country’s total crude steel consumption.