India Watches Steel Imports Before Considering New Curbs

India will continue monitoring steel imports for at least the next two months before deciding whether additional measures are needed to curb rising shipments, particularly from China. Despite imposing a three-year import tariff on selected steel products last year, the country remained a net importer for the second consecutive month in May, highlighting ongoing concerns within the domestic steel industry.

Government data showed that finished steel imports reached 0.7 million metric tons in May, exceeding the average level recorded over the previous six months. At the same time, exports of finished steel fell to 0.5 million metric tons, remaining below recent averages. Indian steelmakers have raised concerns that low-priced imports from China continue to put pressure on local producers.

The government has not yet decided whether future action would involve anti-dumping duties or other trade measures. Separately, the Steel Ministry has requested the withdrawal of a provisional anti-dumping duty on low-ash metallurgical coke, citing limited domestic supply and higher costs. Authorities are still reviewing the proposal, with a final decision yet to be made.