On March 13, the National Development and Reform Commission released a report on the implementation of the 2024 national economic and social development plan and the draft plan for 2025. The report highlighted that in 2024, the methods for capacity replacement in industries such as steel, cement, and glass would be revised to facilitate the steady withdrawal of outdated and inefficient capacities. Energy-saving and carbon-reduction initiatives would be implemented in key sectors including steel, oil refining, synthetic ammonia, cement, electrolytic aluminum, data centers, and coal power. The comprehensive energy consumption per unit product in areas such as crude steel, electrolytic aluminum, cement clinker, and flat glass would maintain a world-leading level.

The report also emphasized the vigorous development of a circular economy, with the introduction of guidelines to accelerate the construction of a waste recycling system. Efforts would be made to promote the recycling of various types of waste, including scrap steel, non-ferrous metals, retired power batteries, and construction waste.

The main tasks for 2025 include the continued implementation of crude steel production regulation and the promotion of reduction and restructuring within the steel industry.