320 tons Lebanese RAL9003 Z160 JIS G3312 SGCC repurchase order

In July 2026, Wanzhi Steel completed its second steel delivery to a Lebanese factory customer – a total of 320 tons, including 300 tons of RAL9003 Z160 JIS G3312 SGCC signal white color-coated coils and 20 tons of Z80 zinc-free galvanized square tubing. This article uses this repeat order as a starting point to systematically interpret the JIS G3312 SGCC standard, Z160/Z80 zinc coating selection, and coating durability under Mediterranean climate conditions.

In May 2026, a Lebanese factory placed its second annual purchase order with Wanzhi Steel, totaling 320 tons of steel, including 300 tons of PPGI (polypropylene gas permeable) coils and 20 tons of galvanized steel tubes. The goods were cleared and delivered through the Port of Beirut and were intended for the customer’s industrial construction and structural engineering projects in the region.

This was not the first collaboration between the two companies. Back in 2025, the customer had already purchased its first batch of steel from Wanzhi Steel. This is the second purchase in 2026, it reflects both the customer’s recognition of the quality and service of the previous delivery and the continued demand for building materials driven by Lebanon’s post-war reconstruction efforts.

According to Lebanese customs data, Lebanon’s total steel imports in 2025 reached approximately 856,000 tons, a year-on-year increase of 48%. Of this, approximately 107,000 tons were coated flat steel (HS Code 7210), and approximately 166,000 tons were hot-rolled flat steel. China is the largest source of Lebanon’s steel imports—in 2024, China’s total steel exports to Lebanon reached US$112 million, with coated flat steel accounting for the largest share.

Lebanon produces almost no steel domestically (electricity costs are as high as US$0.14 per kilowatt-hour, far exceeding those of neighboring countries), and its steel demand is almost entirely dependent on imports. Following the new presidential election in 2025, the political situation is expected to stabilize, with building permits increasing by over 50% year-on-year and cement deliveries increasing by 26%. Post-war reconstruction is creating a significant demand for building materials. For Chinese steel exporters, Lebanon is emerging as a blue ocean market with strong growth certainty on the eastern Mediterranean coast.

This order consists of two product categories, both conforming to the JIS G3312 SGCC standard. The complete specifications are as follows:

Selection Tips: Color-coated coils use a Z160 zinc coating with RAL9003 white topcoat, suitable for the high salt spray and strong UV environment of the Mediterranean coast; galvanized square tubes use a Z80 zinc coating with a zinc spangle-free surface, taking into account both the anti-corrosion requirements of indoor/shaded environments and the adhesion of subsequent coatings.

JIS G3312 is a Japanese Industrial Standard, officially titled “Pre-coated Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Sheet and Strip“. This standard specifies the technical requirements for pre-coated steel products with hot-dip galvanized steel sheet (GI) as the substrate and an organic coating on the surface, covering:

• Substrate steel quality and grade classification
• Metal coating (zinc layer) quality grade
• Coating system thickness, hardness, and adhesion
• Dimensional tolerances and appearance requirements
• Durability tests such as salt spray resistance and UV resistance

In international steel trade, JIS G3312, along with ASTM A755 (US standard) and EN 10169 (European standard), is considered one of the three major standards for pre-coated steel and is widely used in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

SGCC = Steel Galvanized Cold Commercial, meaning “commercial grade hot-dip galvanized cold-rolled steel sheet”. Its characteristics include:

Properties	SGCC Typical Values
Substrate	SPCC Cold-rolled Low Carbon Steel
Tensile Strength	≥ 270 MPa
Yield Strength	≥ 205 MPa
Elongation	≥ 20% (0.4-0.6mm thickness range)
Zincing Method	Hot-dip Galvanizing
Typical Applications	Roofing, wall panels, piping, general-purpose formed parts

SGCC is a commercial grade, offering moderate formability and high cost-effectiveness, and is the most common substrate grade for color-coated coils used in construction. For higher strength or deep-drawing performance, it can be upgraded to SGCD (stamping grade) or SGC340-570 (structural grade).

The zinc coating is the core of the corrosion resistance of galvanized steel. The numbers in the zinc coating designation represent the total zinc content (g/m²) on both sides. The thicker the zinc coating, the longer the sacrificial anode protection time and the longer the corrosion resistance life.

Zinc Coating Designation	Zinc Content (g/m²)	Applicable Environment	Expected Life
Z60	60	Dry indoor environment	10-15 years
Z80	80	Urban outdoor environment	15-20 years
Z120	120	Industrial area	20-25 years
Z160	160	High humidity/coastal area	25+ years
Z275	275	Harsh environment/coastal area	30 – 50 years

The selection logic of this order:

Color coated roll selection Z160: The salt spray deposition rate along the Mediterranean coast of Lebanon is high (annual average ≥ 800mg/m ² · d), belonging to a highly corrosive environment. The Z160 zinc layer leaves sufficient redundancy on the substrate for red rust protection, and when combined with the topcoat, can ensure an outdoor lifespan of over 20 years.

Galvanized square tube selection Z80: Square tubes are mostly used for indoor structures, frames, or subsequent painting scenarios, with a lower corrosion load than exposed roofs. Z80 can meet the 15-20 year urban outdoor life while avoiding cost waste caused by over engineering.

JIS G3312 requires a topcoat thickness of ≥15μm and a backcoat thickness of ≥5μm, with no blistering or red rust after ≥500 hours of salt spray testing. For Mediterranean climates like Lebanon with over 2800 hours of sunshine annually, PVDF coatings are a more reliable choice, as their fluorocarbon resin has significantly better UV resistance than ordinary PE, resulting in a substantial extension of colorfastness. It is recommended to prioritize PVDF in coastal exposed applications.

5.1 What is Zinc Flower

Spangle is a snowflake shaped pattern formed on the surface of hot-dip galvanized steel sheet during the cooling crystallization of the zinc layer, which is influenced by elements such as lead (Pb) and antimony (Sb) in the zinc solution. Traditional zinc flower products have obvious patterns, but there are two problems:

• Surface unevenness: Zinc flower crystals form micro undulations, which affect the uniformity of subsequent coating and spraying.
• Environmental compliance: The lead containing process does not comply with the EU WEEE/RoHS directive.

5.2 Advantages of Zero Spangle

Zinc free flower products achieve a smooth and uniform surface by adding only aluminum (Al) to the zinc solution without adding lead/antimony/tin The zinc free state has excellent adhesion and complies with RoHS. It is commonly used in household appliances, spray substrates, and high-end manufacturing.

Before each batch is shipped, Wanzhi Steel performs standardized quality inspection procedures. Key inspection items for this order include:

All batches are accompanied by an MTC (Mill Test Certificate) factory warranty and are subject to inspection by third parties such as SGS and BV.

A complete product matrix, one-stop sourcing.

Customers can purchase multiple categories of products, including color-coated coils, galvanized sheets, and steel pipes, from a single supplier, reducing communication costs and logistical complexity—this one-stop capability is exemplified by the Lebanese customer’s purchase of 300 tons of color-coated coils and 20 tons of galvanized square pipes in this order.

International Certifications and Quality Control System

Each batch of shipments is accompanied by an MTC (Mill Test Certificate), recording key data such as chemical composition, mechanical properties, coating weight, and coating thickness. We also accept third-party inspections designated by customers (SGS, BV, TÜV, etc.) to ensure that delivered products are completely consistent with order specifications.

Deeply rooted in the Middle Eastern market, understanding local needs.

Wanzhi Steel’s foreign trade team is familiar with the purchasing habits, customs clearance procedures, and climate adaptation points of the Middle Eastern market. We support T/T (30% deposit + 70% upon receipt of a copy of the bill of lading) and PayPal. We respond to inquiries within 24 hours and provide bilingual (Chinese and English) communication.

Customized production capabilities

Product thickness, width, color, zinc layer, coating, style, etc. can all be customized, and there are mature production solutions available.

Delivery Guarantee and After-Sales Service

Delivery time for standard specifications is 7-15 days. Monthly production capacity is sufficient to handle large-volume orders. Standard sea freight packaging is used (rust-proof paper + plastic film + iron corner protectors + steel strapping). We promise to respond to and handle any quality issues after delivery and provide technical support.

True supplier strength lies not in a single transaction, but in repeat customers. Wanzhi Steel has many long-term clients in the Middle East market, with some clients having purchased over 1,000 tons cumulatively since 2022, achieving a repurchase rate of 90%. This second purchase from the Lebanese client in this order is a microcosm of this long-term trust.

For RAL color charts, product catalogs, or specification quotations, please contact Wanzhi Steel’s Middle East sales team.

Email: info04@wanzhisteel.com

WhatsApp:+86-18736065220

Website: www.wanzhisteels.com