China's steel tariff policy is likely to be adjusted from January 1, 2008 amid efforts to advance the country's steel industry restructuring, according to Wang Wei, director of the Tariff Policy Department under Ministry of Finance.

   China will continue to regulate exports by energy-consuming and high-polluting industries next year, said Wang at a recent steel industry forum, adding that the tariff for steel products averaged 7. 1 percent, lower than the 9 percent for industrial products.

   China usually adjusts tariff policies on Jan. 1, a practice that has been kept for ten years, according to Wang.

   Luo Bingsheng, vice-chairman of China Iron and Steel Association noted that to improve production technology and product quality, optimize product mix, eliminate outdated capacity and expand product varieties are the major tasks for the country's steel industry.

   He added that the steel industry will be impacted by robust domestic demand, export decline and rising production costs in 2008.