Earlier this year, the association had forecast steel demand to drop by 1.7% in 2022.

Semiconductor shortages, as well as other logistical issues, have roiled automotive production in the US and around the globe since 2021. Lower automotive production rates have subsequently cut demand for steel in the sector.

The two contracts have gained momentum on high volatility in the physical market that attracted greater futures interest.

Vietnam spent nearly 10.3 billion U.S. dollars importing roughly 9.8 million tons of steel and iron in the first 10 months of this year.

The company, also known as China Energy, has signed with 40 companies from 18 countries and regions for contracts worth $2.5 billion (17.9 billion yuan) during the fifth CIIE.

Although Brazilian miner Vale is focusing on cost control in response to the global economic slowdown, it also advances key projects.

Steelmaker Ternium, controlled by Italian-Argentine group Techint, saw its Q3 net income fall by more than 80% year-on-year to US$220mn.

The official said that the government will encourage central SOEs to conduct strategic cooperation in various ways.