"Steel is a key foundation industry and it is absolutely essential that it receives practical support from the government," he said.

Hydrogen is expected to play a much larger role in China's decarbonization, especially in industries like steelmaking and aviation, where there are few clean energy alternatives, analysts said.

China Nickel ore imports in November 2021 by country/region.

China ferronickel imports in Jan-Nov 2021 by country/region.

China manganese ore imports in November 2021 by country/region.

China chrome ore imports in November 2021 by country/region.

China manganese ore imports in Jan-Nov 2021 by country/region.

China Nickel ore imports in Jan-Nov 2021 by country/region.