Several new foreign trade regulations will take effect or be implemented in 2026, affecting multiple industries such as steel, batteries, and pharmaceuticals, which will have a profound impact on the global trade landscape.
Let’s first look at the relevant new regulations in China. From January 1, 2026, export license management will be implemented for some steel products, which will help regulate the export order of steel products and ensure the stable development of the domestic steel industry. At the same time, single lithium thionyl chloride batteries or battery packs containing no more than 1 kg of the third-category monitored chemical thionyl chloride will not require the “Approval Certificate for Import and Export of Monitored Chemicals” or the “License for Import and Export of Dual-Use Items and Technologies,” which will simplify the battery import and export process to some extent and promote trade in the battery industry. The “Regulations on the Inspection and Export Certificate Management of Exported Drugs by Pharmaceutical Manufacturers” will also come into effect on January 1, strengthening the management of pharmaceutical exports.
Regarding imports, on December 22, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce implemented provisional anti-subsidy measures on imported dairy products originating from the European Union. From December 23, importers were required to provide corresponding provisional anti-subsidy duty deposits. Furthermore, from December 17, 2025, anti-dumping duties of 4.9% to 19.8% were levied on imported pork and pork by-products originating from the European Union for a period of five years. These measures aim to protect the interests of related domestic industries. In other areas, the upgraded “China-Singapore Electronic Information Exchange System for Origin” went online on December 11, 2025. Transportation companies carrying customs-supervised goods within China could handle related business online from December 10, 2025. From December 3, 2025, a pilot program of classified import management was implemented for certain food and drug substances, and electronic documents for public and private goods were put into use. The “Catalogue of Industries Encouraging Foreign Investment (2025 Edition)” will come into effect on February 1, 2026; the newly revised “Foreign Trade Law” will come into effect on March 1, 2026; and the “Regulations on the Administration of Export Sales Certificates for Medical Devices” will come into effect on May 1, 2026. On December 11, 2025, the General Administration of Customs also released 117 industry standards, including the “General Rules for Microbiological Inspection of Exported Food.” Let’s look at the relevant new regulations in other countries and regions. In Asia, India approved coal exports from power plants with excess coal reserves and eased restrictions on steel imports; Japan plans to expand declaration requirements for foreign buyers of Japanese real estate; Vietnam pledged to reduce administrative procedures by 30% to attract foreign investment, implemented new energy efficiency labeling regulations in phases, and launched special operations to combat smuggling; Thailand adjusted BOI visa applications, increased service fees for international departing passengers, and extended work permits for foreign workers; South Korea relaxed import declaration document submission requirements and launched an anti-dumping investigation into galvanized cold-rolled steel originating from China; Indonesia required exporters to retain all foreign exchange earnings domestically; Cambodia launched an online query system for “Certified Importers and Type-Certified Equipment”; Jordan issued new regulations for the import of telecommunications equipment; Qatar implemented the GSO regulation for water-saving equipment and began accepting applications for industrial design and utility model registration; and Malaysia issued the “Guidelines for Certification and Labelling of Energy Storage Batteries”. In Europe, the EU expanded the coverage of its carbon border tax, upgraded its chemical regulatory enforcement, issued several control guidelines and regulations, and initiated anti-dumping investigations on various products originating from China; Russia strengthened its Eurasian Economic Union certification supervision; Turkey opened a “temporary registration” channel for KKDIK; the UK initiated anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations on boom lifts originating from China; and Moldova accepted the CE marking. In the Americas, new pesticide regulations came into effect in Mexico, and an anti-dumping investigation was initiated on acrylic sheets originating from China; Brazil extended the anti-dumping investigation period for fiberglass originating from China and Egypt, and initiated an anti-dumping investigation on butyl acrylate originating from China. In Oceania, Australia initiated anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations on aluminum doors and windows imported from China. In Africa, Algeria will launch a digital platform to simplify import procedures, and South Africa initiated an anti-dumping investigation on color-coated steel sheets imported from China. The implementation of these new foreign trade regulations in many countries undoubtedly brings new opportunities and challenges to relevant enterprises. Businesses need to closely monitor the developments of these new regulations and adjust their business strategies accordingly to adapt to the ever-changing international trade environment.
