SHANGHAI, Oct 8 (SMM) – Handan, a major steel producing city in China’s Hebei province, last week released for public comment its detailed plan of production curbs on heavy industries in the 2018/2019 winter season.

The plan, effective from November 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019, targets 10 sectors including steel, coke, tiles and bricks, pharmaceuticals and pesticides that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cement, casting, carbon, glass, ceramics and building materials. There are two transition periods during November 1-14, 2018 and March 16-31, 2019. Air quality levels during the transition period will determine if authorities proceed with winter production curbs.

Steel mills face output curbs of various scales after the central government decided to scrap previous blanket reduction targets this year. Steelmakers across the city would be classified into categories A, B and C based on their emission ratings. This will decide how much capacity those mills are required to cut in winter.