New steel standard gives China bigger reach

An international standards proposal for carbon steel spring wire used in mattress and seat cushions raised by China's Guizhou Steel Rope Group Co Ltd has recently been accepted by the International Organization for Standardization for further consideration.

Industry analysts said the acceptance signals the growing presence of Chinese steel companies in the development of the industry's international standards. It also represents the growing competence of Chinese firms on the global market .

ISO's Technical Committee on steel wire rod and wire products voted in favor of the inclusion of the proposal into the committee's work program on Jan 23. The central secretariat of the ISO officially gave its nod to begin working on the item a few days later last month.

It is the second international standard the company initiated, Guizhou Steel Rope Group said.

"Guizhou Steel Rope Group is a domestic leader in steel wire and related products that also has a reputation on the global market," said Xiao Bangguo, vice-president with the China Metallurgical Industry Planning and Research Institute.

"The ISO acceptance of the company's global standards proposal not only demonstrates its technological strengths and the international recognition it has obtained, but will also help boost the global image of Chinese steel companies in related fields through contributions to the setting of international standards."

Xu Xiangchun, information director and analyst with iron and steel industry consultancy Mysteel.com, said acceptance of the company's proposal is a reflection of the greater influence of Chinese steel companies on the global market due to their increasing competence.

Several Chinese companies such as Baowu Steel Group and Taiyuan Iron and Steel Group have recorded major technological breakthroughs in recent years to produce and export high-end steel products which China used to import in the past, he said.

A leader in the research, production and sale of steel wire rope and related materials and equipment among domestic companies, Guizhou Steel Rope Group's products have successfully replaced foreign imports in many key national projects.

It ranks among the top companies in terms of production capacity, research and development capability, and market share in the Chinese market.

In 2019, it produced 333,900 metric tons of metal products, including 15,700 tons for exports. The company generated annual revenue of about 2.2 billion yuan ($309.88 million).

With a yearly carbon steel spring wire production capacity of about 80,000 tons, it accounts for 5 percent of the domestic market.

Its carbon steel spring wire products have been exported to countries including the United States, Japan and Vietnam. It is a global supplier for major mattress and cushion producers.

Lu Ping, deputy head of the company's technology center, said the company pays great attention to innovation and R&D.

It is an active participant in global standard making. The company filed 480 patent applications and obtained the grant of 192 patents, including 27 patents for inventions, as of Dec 31, 2019.

"Second-tier enterprises have their eye on production. First class enterprises keep their eye on patent application. But super first class enterprises establish standards," Lu said.