Are you curious about the top players in China’s booming electrical steel industry? With global decarbonization driving up demand, Chinese factories are stepping up their game. Let’s take a look at the leading electrical steel producers in China, such as Baosteel, Shougang, and others, and see what sets them apart.
Electrical steel now China’s star product amid global …
Product Details: Electrical steel, also known as silicon steel or lamination steel, is a specialty steel alloy primarily containing iron and silicon. It is designed to minimize energy losses and enhance the efficiency of electromagnetic devices such as motors, generators, and transformers. The silicon content increases electrical resistivity, reduces eddy currents, and creates a finer grain structure, all of which contribute to lower core losses and higher magnetic permeability.
Pros:
– Enhances efficiency by reducing core losses and eddy currents, leading to signif…
– Reduces operating costs by consuming less electricity, which saves money on ener…
– Enables the production of smaller, lighter electromagnetic devices without compr…
– Minimizes environmental impact by reducing energy consumption and heat generatio…
– High magnetic permeability and saturation point allow it to carry strong magneti…
– Improves the performance and reliability of transformers, motors, and generators…
Cons:
– The production process can be complex and costly due to the need for precise con…
– Higher initial cost compared to regular steel, although long-term savings can of…
– Requires specialized manufacturing techniques to align crystal grains for optima…
China electrical steel poised for green boost, but experts …
Product Details: China’s electrical steel sector, particularly grain-oriented and non-oriented electrical steel, has seen significant growth. In 2023, China’s output of grain-oriented electrical steel reached 620,000 tonnes, accounting for 56% of global production, with Baosteel producing 500,000 tonnes. For non-oriented electrical steel, China accounted for 72% of global production, with major producers including Baosteel, WISCO, Ansteel, and Shagang. The global market for new energy-grade electrical steel was 1.3 million tonnes in 2023, with Chinese manufacturers dominating the output[1].
Pros:
– High magnetic flux density, allowing it to carry more current and be more effici…
– Low hysteresis losses, reducing energy loss when the magnetic field changes dire…
– Corrosion resistant, increasing durability.
– Supports the country’s electrification and energy-saving goals by driving growth…
Cons:
– Risk of overcapacity, particularly in high-end products, which could lead to mar…
– High cost due to extensive processing and manufacturing requirements.
– Limited availability due to the restricted number of manufacturers.
– Decreasing demand for mid- and low-grade non-oriented electrical steel due to th…
Non-oriented electrical steel
Product Details: Baosteel offers a range of steel products including electrical steel, hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel, galvanized steel, and more. Electrical steel, such as non-oriented electrical steel, is characterized by its magnetic properties, nominal thickness, density, and maximum iron loss. Other products include hot-rolled high strength steel, cold-rolled automotive steel sheets, and various coated steel sheets like chromate-free anti-fingerprinting electrogalvanized steel and hot-dip galvanized steel.
Pros:
– Steel is highly tensile with a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it lightwei…
– It can be easily fabricated and produced massively, allowing for prefabrication…
– Steel is flexible and can be molded into various shapes without changing its pro…
– It is relatively cheap compared to other building materials and is very durable,…
– Steel is sustainable and can be easily recycled[2].
Cons:
– Steel is susceptible to corrosion, especially when exposed to the elements, and…
– It has high maintenance costs, including the need for painting to prevent corros…
– Steel structures can suffer from buckling, particularly in slender columns, whic…
– Steel has a high expansion rate with changing temperatures, which can be detrime…
ArcelorMittal and China Oriental set up an electric steel …
Product Details: ArcelorMittal and China Oriental Group have announced a joint venture to produce electrical steel in China. The joint venture will involve a 50% equity share from each company and is expected to be formalized in the first half of 2025 after receiving approval from Chinese authorities. The project includes an investment of $660 million to build a hot-rolled electric steel production line, which will start operating in 18 months with an initial capacity of 2.5 million tons per year, potentially increasing to 3.5 million tons. Additionally, $2 billion will be invested in producing soft magnetic materials for the new energy
market, with production expected to start in 26 months and an initial capacity of 1.5 million tons per year, potentially increasing to 1.8 million tons. The products will be used in the automotive industry, industrial motors, household appliances, and energy sectors.
Pros:
– Environmentally friendly production, as the project aims to use modern and susta…
– Energy-efficient, with the potential to capture 5% to 10% of China’s hot-rolled…
– Support from local governments, including the Qianxi County Government and the C…
Cons:
– High initial investment of $660 million for the hot-rolled electric steel produc…
– Dependence on regulatory approval from Chinese authorities before the joint vent…
Fives and Baowu launch new electrical steel lines
Product Details: Baowu Steel Group and Fives have launched new production lines for high-performance electrical steel at Baowu’s Shanghai site. Fives designed and delivered thermal sections for a new annealing and pickling line (APL) and two new annealing and coating lines (ACL). These lines are intended to produce high-quality non-grain oriented (NGO) grades for electric vehicle motors. The thermal section includes a horizontal furnace capable of reaching a strip temperature of 1,100 °C with the AdvanTek® combustion system and advanced furnace atmosphere management using seal gates, high hydrogen-rich and dew point controlled sections. The lines delivered their first coil between December 2022
and February 2023.
Pros:
– Advanced thermal technologies to achieve high flux density materials with minima…
– High-quality non-grain oriented (NGO) grades suitable for electric vehicle motor…
– Successful implementation despite challenging times of lockdowns and travel rest…
– Utilization of Best Available Technology for furnace atmosphere management.
– Efficient production with the ability to meet client targets and schedules.
Cons:
– The production of silicon steel grades presents significant technological challe…
– Requires advanced and specialized technologies, which can be complex to manage.
China Electrical Steel Manufacturers Suppliers Factory
Product Details: Electrical steel, also known as silicon steel or transformer steel, is a specialized type of steel used in the cores of electromagnetic devices such as motors, generators, and transformers. It is an iron alloy with silicon as the main additive element, which reduces power loss and enhances magnetic properties. Electrical steel is typically manufactured in cold-rolled strips less than 2 mm thick and is often delivered in semi-processed or fully processed states with specific magnetic properties.
Pros:
– High magnetic permeability, making it ideal for magnetic applications.
– Low hysteresis loss and low eddy current loss, resulting in high efficiency.
– Excellent corrosion and wear resistance, suitable for harsh environments.
– Good formability, allowing it to be molded into complex shapes.
– High electrical resistance, suitable for electrical equipment and components.
Cons:
– High cost, often two to three times more expensive than conventional steel.
– Difficult to process due to its hardness and brittleness.
– Limited availability of specific sizes and shapes, which can delay projects.
– Sensitive to handling; excessive bending, incorrect heat treatment, or rough han…
Electrical steel becomes a key product in China’s …
Electrical Steel Companies – Top Industry Manufacturers …
China Steel Corporation (CSC) places large order to ramp …
Product Details: China Steel Corporation (CSC) has signed a contract with Primetals Technologies to upgrade its plant in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The upgrade includes a pickling line and a tandem cold mill revamp, specifically converting stands 2, 3, and 4 to incorporate the Hyper Universal Crown-control mill (Hyper UCM) technology. An induction heater and a No. 0 stand will also be added. This upgrade aims to increase the production capacity of high-strength and thin high-grade electrical steel, particularly targeting the market for electrical vehicles.
Pros:
– Increased production capacity of electrical steel
– Ability to roll materials of much higher strength into thinner strips while main…
– Enhanced control options to determine the shape of advanced high strength steels…
Cons:
– High initial investment for the upgrade and implementation of new technology
– Potential delays and increased costs due to the complexity of the upgrade proces…
Advanced technology for demanding electrical steel
Product Details: Fives and Shougang Zhixin Electromagnetic collaborated to produce high-grade, non-grain oriented (NGO) electrical steel for the e-vehicle market. A new annealing and pickling line (APL) was built with a capacity of 650,000 tonnes per year. Fives designed and supplied an annealing furnace featuring advanced heating technology and a flexible cooling system. The furnace includes dedicated models for metallurgical control, enhanced oxygen control, high temperature thermal technology, a heat recovery system, and an emission reduction system. The engineering and manufacturing of the main equipment were done in China, while the burners, automation, and process instrumentation were provided from France.
Pros:
– Advanced heating technology and flexible cooling system to meet high thermal req…
– High capacity of 650,000 tonnes per year, exceeding traditional APL capacities
– Enhanced oxygen control for high product quality
– High temperature thermal technology and heat recovery system to lower operationa…
– Efficient thermal equipment combined with an emission reduction system
– Successful production of the first commercial coil just 16 months after contract…
Cons:
– Very challenging schedule and high thermal requirements posed significant techni…
– Need for extensive coordination and communication between teams to meet the tigh…
Comparison Table
| Company | Product Details | Pros | Cons | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical steel now China’s star product amid global … | Electrical steel, also known as silicon steel or lamination steel, is a specialty steel alloy primarily containing iron and silicon. It is designed to… | – Enhances efficiency by reducing core losses and eddy currents, leading to signif… – Reduces operating costs by consuming less electricity, which s… | – The production process can be complex and costly due to the need for precise con… – Higher initial cost compared to regular steel, although long-t… | www.fastmarkets.com |
| China electrical steel poised for green boost, but experts … | China’s electrical steel sector, particularly grain-oriented and non-oriented electrical steel, has seen significant growth. In 2023, China’s output o… | – High magnetic flux density, allowing it to carry more current and be more effici… – Low hysteresis losses, reducing energy loss when the magnetic… | – Risk of overcapacity, particularly in high-end products, which could lead to mar… – High cost due to extensive processing and manufacturing requir… | www.fastmarkets.com |
| Non-oriented electrical steel | Baosteel offers a range of steel products including electrical steel, hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel, galvanized steel, and more. Electrical steel,… | – Steel is highly tensile with a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it lightwei… – It can be easily fabricated and produced massively, allowing f… | – Steel is susceptible to corrosion, especially when exposed to the elements, and… – It has high maintenance costs, including the need for painting… | esales.baosteel.com |
| ArcelorMittal and China Oriental set up an electric steel … | ArcelorMittal and China Oriental Group have announced a joint venture to produce electrical steel in China. The joint venture will involve a 50% equit… | – Environmentally friendly production, as the project aims to use modern and susta… – Energy-efficient, with the potential to capture 5% to 10% of C… | – High initial investment of $660 million for the hot-rolled electric steel produc… – Dependence on regulatory approval from Chinese authorities bef… | gmk.center |
| Fives and Baowu launch new electrical steel lines | Baowu Steel Group and Fives have launched new production lines for high-performance electrical steel at Baowu’s Shanghai site. Fives designed and deli… | – Advanced thermal technologies to achieve high flux density materials with minima… – High-quality non-grain oriented (NGO) grades suitable for elec… | – The production of silicon steel grades presents significant technological challe… – Requires advanced and specialized technologies, which can be c… | www.fivesgroup.com |
| China Electrical Steel Manufacturers Suppliers Factory | Electrical steel, also known as silicon steel or transformer steel, is a specialized type of steel used in the cores of electromagnetic devices such a… | – High magnetic permeability, making it ideal for magnetic applications. – Low hysteresis loss and low eddy current loss, resulting in high efficiency… | – High cost, often two to three times more expensive than conventional steel. – Difficult to process due to its hardness and brittleness. – Limited av… | www.yogiantholdings.com |
| Electrical steel becomes a key product in China’s … | gmk.center | |||
| Electrical Steel Companies – Top Industry Manufacturers … | www.marketsandmarkets.com | |||
| China Steel Corporation (CSC) places large order to ramp … | China Steel Corporation (CSC) has signed a contract with Primetals Technologies to upgrade its plant in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The upgrade includes a pick… | – Increased production capacity of electrical steel – Ability to roll materials of much higher strength into thinner strips while main… – Enhanced c… | – High initial investment for the upgrade and implementation of new technology – Potential delays and increased costs due to the complexity of the upg… | www.primetals.com |
| Advanced technology for demanding electrical steel | Fives and Shougang Zhixin Electromagnetic collaborated to produce high-grade, non-grain oriented (NGO) electrical steel for the e-vehicle market. A ne… | – Advanced heating technology and flexible cooling system to meet high thermal req… – High capacity of 650,000 tonnes per year, exceeding traditiona… | – Very challenging schedule and high thermal requirements posed significant techni… – Need for extensive coordination and communication between team… | www.fivesgroup.com |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Steel Factories in China
What is China’s current production capacity for electrical steel?
China dominates the global production of electrical steel. In 2023, China produced 620,000 tonnes of grain-oriented electrical steel, accounting for 56% of global production. For non-oriented electrical steel, China accounted for 72% of global production. This significant output is driven by major producers like Baosteel, WISCO, Ansteel, and Shagang.
Which Chinese companies are leading in electrical steel production?
Companies like Baosteel, WISCO, Ansteel, and Shagang are the leaders in China’s electrical steel market. Baosteel alone produced 500,000 tonnes of grain-oriented electrical steel in 2023. These companies are at the forefront of producing both grain-oriented and non-oriented electrical steel, catering to the growing demand for energy-efficient solutions.
What are the challenges facing China’s electrical steel sector?
Despite the promising outlook, China’s electrical steel sector faces the risk of overcapacity, particularly for high-end products. Experts warn that unchecked production could lead to market saturation. Additionally, the decreasing production of certain types of motors may reduce demand for mid- and low-grade non-oriented electrical steel.
How is China adapting to the increasing demand for high-grade electrical steel?
To meet the growing demand, especially from the electric vehicle market, Chinese manufacturers are investing in advanced technologies. For example, Shougang built a new annealing and pickling line to produce high-grade non-grain oriented electrical steel, utilizing advanced heating and cooling innovations. Such upgrades enhance production capacity and quality.
What new projects and expansions are underway in China’s electrical steel industry?
There are several new projects and expansions underway. For instance, 27 electrical steel projects were under construction or completed in 2023, adding significant capacity to both oriented and non-oriented electrical steel production. Additionally, companies like China Steel Corporation are upgrading their facilities to increase production of high-strength and thin high-grade electrical steel.