ZongXiang export a batch of 60*60mm square bar to Malaysia

In a landmark development highlighting the burgeoning trade corridors between China and Southeast Asia, Henan Zongxiang Heavy Industry Import & Export Co., Ltd.—commonly known as ZongXiang—has dispatched a substantial batch of 60x60mm square steel bars to Malaysia. This shipment, comprising thousands of tons of premium-grade steel, departed from the bustling port of Tianjin on September 15, 2025, bound for Port Klang, where it is scheduled to arrive by early October. Valued at approximately $1.2 million, the order underscores ZongXiang's growing footprint in the global steel market and Malaysia's insatiable appetite for high-quality construction materials amid its ambitious infrastructure boom.

ZongXiang, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Anyang, Henan Province, has evolved from a domestic rail and track accessories supplier into a formidable international exporter. With over two decades of expertise, the company boasts state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities spanning 30,000 square meters, equipped with advanced rolling mills, heat treatment lines, and precision cutting technologies. Their product portfolio includes steel rails, flat bars, crane rails, and specialty profiles like the square bars in this consignment. These 60x60mm bars, forged from low-carbon Q235 steel alloyed for enhanced tensile strength (yielding up to 370-500 MPa), are hot-rolled to exact tolerances of ±1mm in cross-section and length variations under 0.5%. Surface-treated with anti-rust oil and bundled in secure wooden pallets, each bar measures 6 meters standard length, ensuring seamless integration into downstream fabrication.

The impetus for this export traces back to mid-2025, when a consortium of Malaysian construction firms, spearheaded by a Kuala Lumpur-based developer, approached ZongXiang via an Alibaba inquiry. The buyers, tasked with erecting mid-rise commercial complexes under Malaysia's 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025), required robust structural elements for column reinforcements and beam framing. Traditional round bars fell short for their space-efficient designs, prompting the switch to square profiles. "The 60x60mm dimension offers optimal load-bearing capacity with minimal material waste," notes ZongXiang's Export Director, Li Wei, in a recent company statement. Rigorous negotiations ensued, incorporating virtual factory tours, third-party SGS inspections, and compliance certifications to ISO 9001 and ASTM A36 standards. Sample prototypes were air-freighted for on-site testing, confirming superior weldability and corrosion resistance—critical for Malaysia's humid tropical climate.

Logistically, the operation exemplifies ZongXiang's supply chain prowess. Raw billets sourced from Baosteel were melted in electric arc furnaces, rolled under controlled atmospheres to prevent oxidation, and cooled via normalized annealing for uniform microstructure. Quality assurance involved ultrasonic flaw detection and tensile testing, yielding a defect rate below 0.1%. Packaging adhered to IMDG maritime regulations, with each 20-ton container fitted with moisture-absorbent desiccants. Freight was secured through a partnership with COSCO Shipping, leveraging the Belt and Road Initiative's digital silk road for real-time tracking. This efficiency not only met the client's 45-day lead time but also slashed carbon emissions by 15% through optimized routing.

For Malaysia, this influx arrives at a pivotal juncture. The nation's construction sector, contributing 4.3% to GDP, is propelled by mega-projects like the Pan Borneo Highway expansion and Johor-Singapore RTS Link, demanding over 2 million tons of steel annually. Local mills, strained by raw material shortages and energy costs, increasingly rely on imports—China supplying 35% of Malaysia's steel needs in 2024, per UN Comtrade data. ZongXiang's bars will bolster frameworks for sustainable urban developments, including green-certified high-rises in Penang's smart city initiative. "This partnership aligns with our vision of resilient infrastructure," enthused the Malaysian importer's project lead during the handover ceremony.

Beyond economics, the deal fosters deeper Sino-Malaysian ties. ZongXiang's prior exports—such as QU80 crane rails to Malaysian ports in 2023 and 24kg light rails to Philippine timber routes—have built trust, with repeat orders surging 40% year-over-year. The company invests in localized strategies, like Halal-compliant documentation and Bahasa Malaysia technical manuals, while exploring joint ventures for downstream fabrication in Selangor Industrial Park.

Looking ahead, ZongXiang eyes further expansion. With a $50 million annual export target, the firm is scouting ASEAN markets for alloy variants and custom profiles. This Malaysian venture not only validates their quality ethos but also positions them as a linchpin in Asia's steel renaissance. As containers glide across the South China Sea, they carry more than metal—they symbolize enduring collaboration, innovation, and progress.