China is predicted to basically actualize the target of cutting 20 million tons of rolled steel and steel billet exports, said an official in charge of the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) Thursday.

  Predicted on the base of the export in January-April, China's export of rolled steel will reach 48.45 million tons in the whole year of 2008, falling 14.2 million tons or 22.7 percent from last year; and the export of steel billet will be 300,000 tons, plunging 6.13 million tons or 95.3 percent. The total export of rolled steel and steel billet will go to 48.75 million tons, 20.33 million tons or 29. 42 percent less than last year.

  If the whole year export of rolled steel and steel billet comes to 48.75 million tons, making up about 9 percent of the annual crude steel output of 530 million tons. It will be a rational level, said the official.

  China's import of rolled steel and steel billet is predicted to be 17.25 million tons, basically staying at the level of last year. Thus, China will have a net export of rolled steel and steel billet of 31. 5 million, accounting for 6 percent of the annual crude steel output.