China Steel Corp (
China Steel said Chairman Kuo Yen-tu (
China Steel's new mill would boost its capacity to more than 20 million metric tons a year, from output of 10.3 million tons last year.
"We are nearing full capacity now and have no more space to add on new lines," said Wang Mao-ping (
Increased steel output from Taiwan would likely increase competition in Asian markets as the region's mills seek alternative outlets to the US, which has targeted companies such as Nippon Steel for anti-dumping tariffs and is studying possible import curbs.
China Steel also aims to discuss alliances in technology and processing and to cut costs by linking up in purchases of coal, iron ore and other raw materials, said China Steel's Wang.
The world's top steelmakers have entered alliances and mergers to cut costs as slowing economies and high inventories cut prices and earnings.
Alliances and mergers among their largest customers such as carmakers, and suppliers such as coal and iron ore miners, have spurred steelmakers to seek greater bargaining power by linking up.
China Steel's new mill, which is likely to have four blast furnaces, would be built in one of two possible locations, Wang said.
One is in Pinan Industrial Complex in Tainan county, though it's likely to be opposed by environmentalists. Another is in Taichung port.
Without building a new mill, China Steel has limited flexibility to expand.
"Our production last year was 10.3 million tons and we aim to increase that by 10 percent to 11 billion tons," said Wang, though he wouldn't say when. "It won't be this year as the economy is not good."
Kawasaki Steel will merge with rival NKK next year. Nippon Steel signed a strategic alliance with South Korean rival Pohang Iron & Steel Corp last year.
Nippon Steel and Kawasaki officials said they can't confirm the proposed visit by China Steel. NKK spokesman Kenichiro Imai said the Taiwanese steelmaker hasn't asked the Japanese steelmaker for financial support.
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