Decarbonization of Steel and the Auto Industries in East Asia

​China, South Korea, and Japan face an urgent challenge to decarbonize their steel industries, with national policies, technology choices, and industry practices shaping the pace of change. This session will explore the political backdrop to the transition and compare how the three countries’ steel decarbonization targets translate into action, highlighting where ambition and progress diverge.

​Discussions will examine the role of automakers and other major steel buyers in driving demand for greener steel and taking responsibility for emissions across their supply chains. By comparing policies, technological pathways, and real-world practices across East Asia, the session will unpack how regional competition can push steelmakers and automakers to raise their ambition and accelerate the race toward green steel.