From January to May 2025, Yonggang Group, a leading steel manufacturer in Zhangjiagang, recorded a 52 percent year-on-year surge in exports. Exports of its flagship products rose by 70 percent, with 26 new international clients and six high-end products successfully entering overseas markets — a testament to the company's growing global influence under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Yonggang Group's products are widely popular among BRI countries. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]
"Our specialty steel for grinding media is highly favored in South American and European markets,” said Li Tianwei, head of Export Trade of the company. "Since 2017, exports have grown from just a few thousand metric tons to over 100,000 tons annually. For one South American client, we've become their largest global supplier," Li said.
Driven by a 20-member international business team, Yonggang has moved beyond single-product exports to offer a wide array of high-end, customized steel solutions. "Through in-house R&D and industry-academia collaboration, we've developed advanced steel materials for the wind power, energy, and automotive sectors," noted Chen Yuanqing, director of Technical Center.
Since the BRI began, Yonggang has exported over 20.9 million tons of steel, with 45 percent going to BRI countries. Its products have contributed to major infrastructure projects such as rail transit systems in Southeast Asia and river-crossing bridges in South America.
"As we pivot from product-oriented to brand-oriented overseas expansion, we will continue optimizing our industrial structure to deliver premium products and services worldwide," said Wu Yi, president of Yongzhuo Holdings, Yonggang's parent company.