Cold-formed steel refers to structural steel products with various cross-sectional shapes that are formed in a cold state using steel plates or strips. These materials are known for their efficiency, as they can carry significant loads while using less steel compared to traditional methods. In some cases, the amount of steel used in cold-formed steel structures is equivalent to that of reinforced concrete structures under similar conditions, making it an economical and efficient choice.
In recent years, the cold-formed steel industry has experienced rapid growth, evolving from a niche segment of steel processing into a key driver for the advancement of deep-processed steel products. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology launched a cooperation plan in 2011 to strengthen horizontal links between industries, particularly in sectors like steel and construction, steel and automobiles, and steel and home appliances. This initiative highlights the importance of collaboration across different fields.
Professor Han Jingtao from Beijing University of Science and Technology and Chairman of the China Cold-formed Steel Branch of the China Steel Structure Association recently published a paper titled “The Status Quo and Future of China’s Cold-Formed Steel Industry Development.†His insights provide valuable perspectives on the current state and future direction of the industry.
With the advancement of lightweight structures and high-strength steel technology, the advantages of cold-formed steel have become more evident, attracting attention from both the steel industry and end-users. In the U.S., cold-formed steel accounts for over 70% of total steel consumption in the construction sector, showcasing its widespread application and effectiveness.
China's cold-formed steel industry has a long history, dating back to the 1930s when small workshops in Shanghai began producing decorative cold-formed steel using stamping and drawing techniques. In 1958, the first specialized cold-formed steel unit was established in Shanghang Steel Plant No. 10, mainly serving the agricultural machinery industry. Over the decades, the industry has expanded significantly, covering multiple sectors such as construction, automotive, rail transportation, and more.
Despite this growth, challenges remain. The variety and output of cold-formed steel products in China are still limited compared to developed countries. The product development and market expansion are not yet fully realized, with many potential applications still unexplored. Additionally, there is a lack of high-quality, differentiated products, leading to intense competition and price wars among companies.
Standards for cold-formed steel in China are also insufficient, limiting the industry’s ability to grow and compete globally. The development of specialized steels lags behind, and raw material quality issues persist, affecting overall product performance. Basic research and technological innovation are also lacking, with most advancements being based on imitation rather than original ideas.
Geographical concentration is another issue, with 80% of production located in the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and Bohai Bay regions. Many provinces, especially in western China, lack even basic cold-forming equipment. This uneven distribution hinders the industry’s national development and limits accessibility for many users.
To address these challenges, the Cold-formed Steel Section of the China Steel Structure Association plays a crucial role. It serves as a bridge between the government, enterprises, and the market, promoting industry coordination, standardization, and innovation. Its functions include representing industry interests, facilitating communication, coordinating regulations, supervising quality, and providing services such as education, training, and information sharing.
One of the key tasks of the branch is to compile and publish the “Twelfth Five-Year Development Plan for Chinese Cold-formed Steel Sector.†This plan aims to guide the industry toward sustainable and healthy growth, offering a framework for policy-making and supporting the development of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly steel solutions.
As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to invest in research, improve standards, and promote regional balance to ensure the long-term success of the cold-formed steel sector in China.
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