It is reported that Chinese ministry of commerce, confirming earlier reports, announced that Chinese steel mills and exporters no longer need to apply for permits for exporting steel.

But industry analysts say the removal would not necessarily boost exports since the government did not seek to restrict shipments with such permits previously.

China's steel product exports totaled 56.06 million tons in the first 11 months last year, down 3.1 percent from 2007.

(Sourced from Shanghai Daily)