How China's 13th five-year plan could affect steel demand

The Chinese government released the framework for its 13th five-year-plan (FYP) in March 2016. The plan outlines the country's economic and social development goals for 2016-2020. We compare the targets with what China has achieved during the 12th FYP period to illustrate the trends for steel demand in major consuming sectors, including construction of property, construction of infrastructure and machinery. The government aims to reform steel consuming sectors rather than stimulate their expansion and we conclude that the 13th FYP will not support steel demand growth in any of the major steel consuming sectors.