Kuala lumpur: ASEAN steel policymakers have proposed forming an ASEAN Council on Steel to enhance government-to-government (G2G) engagement in the region’s steel industry, said Investment, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister (MITI) Liew Chin Tong. The idea was proposed during the ASEAN Steel Policymakers’ meeting earlier, which was attended by regional delegates from the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Liew stated that the proposed council would push for more G2G and association-level discussions in the region and structure the steel industry in a more organised and sustainable manner. He highlighted that the steel industry has typically operated through the South East Asia Iron and Steel Institute (SEAISI). However, there has been a lack of direct engagement between governments in the region concerning the steel industry, which the council aims to address.
Liew expressed that it is time for a more ASEAN-wide conversation on the steel industry and proposed the formation of an ASEAN Council on Steel to facilitate these discussions. He shared these insights with reporters after attending the Malaysian Iron and Steel Industry Federation (MISIF) 2025 Steel Industry Annual Dinner.
The proposed council would focus on five key agendas: capacity management, decarbonisation, steel standards for high-rise buildings, technical cooperation, and trade remedies. Liew also mentioned the potential inclusion of China in the council, citing a recent visit to Beijing where he was impressed by the China Iron and Steel Association’s sophistication.
Earlier, MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz noted that steel demand in ASEAN has grown steadily, with apparent consumption in the ASEAN-6 at 74 million tonnes in 2023, nearing the pre-pandemic peak of 80 million tonnes in 2018-2019.
Commenting on the inaugural ASEAN Steel Policymakers’ meeting and the upcoming 2025 ASEAN Steel Forum, Liew mentioned that the Philippines delegation, as ASEAN chair next year, has committed to continuing the event, with plans to host it in the Philippines, ensuring participation from all member countries.