China is not encouraging large steel exports and has taken measures to control shipments offshore, the country's steel association said on Tuesday.

"The Chinese steel industry is willing to solve trade disputes through cooperation ... it strongly opposes protectionism and making steel trade a political issue," the China Iron & Steel Association (CISA) said in a report on its website.

CISA said a rise in Chinese steel exports has been driven by a recovering global economy, rising international demand and higher competitiveness. It said the government has taken measures such as increasing export duties on some steel products and cutting export rebates.

Source : reuters.com