New Delhi: India’s finished steel production increased by 4.7 per cent year-on-year to 54.7 million tonnes (MT) during April–July 2026.
Provisional data from the Ministry of Steel reveals that domestic steel consumption grew at a faster pace of 7.9 per cent, reaching 56 MT. Consequently, higher consumption outpaced domestic production, signaling sustained industrial and infrastructure demand across the country.
[Finished Steel Production: 54.7 MT (+4.7%)] ──▶ Outpaced by Consumption ──▶ [Steel Consumption: 56.0 MT (+7.9%)]
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[India Remains Net Importer: 2.77 MT] ◀──( Foreign Trade Surges +36.6% )───────┘
Surge in Foreign Trade and Imports from China
Crude steel output also rose 2.4 per cent to 56.2 MT during the four-month period. However, strong domestic consumption drove a sharp expansion in international trade volume:
Key Steel Trade Statistics (April–July 2026):
Finished Steel Imports: Surged 36.6 per cent to 2.77 MT (valued at ₹28,330.8 crore).
Finished Steel Exports: Increased 35 per cent to 2.29 MT (valued at ₹18,105.4 crore).
Top Steel Import Origin: China supplied 30.9 per cent of total imports, followed by South Korea (30.2%).
Primary Export Destination: Vietnam led exports with 15.4 per cent, followed by the UAE (14.8%).
Product Benchmark: Hot-rolled coils and strips comprised 36.7 per cent of total trade.
In addition, alloy steel production surged 26.7 per cent to 3.71 MT, powered by a 150.7 per cent jump in alloy steel exports.
Price Trends and Mining Reforms Support Growth
Crucially, domestic steel prices exhibited mixed movements in August. Average 10-mm TMT bar prices rose 2.3 per cent month-on-month to ₹58,003 per tonne, while hot-rolled coil prices increased 0.9 per cent to ₹70,448 per tonne.
[RAW MATERIAL SECURITY AND TECH REFORMS]
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[MMDR Amendment Act 2026] [NMDC Beneficiation Plant] [Green Steel Certification]
Notified on August 17 Trial operations at Bacheli 98 producers across 15 states
To secure raw material supply, the government notified the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 on August 17. Furthermore, state miner NMDC commenced trial operations at its 2.0 MTPA iron ore beneficiation plant in Bacheli.
Simultaneously, green steel adoption expanded rapidly across the secondary steel sector. 98 producers across 15 states received formal Green Steel Certificates, with a majority attaining five-star low-emission ratings.
Steel Sector Output and Trade Profile
| Sector Parameter / Category | April–July 2025 Volume | April–July 2026 Volume | Percentage Growth | Strategic Market Impact |
| Finished Steel Output | 52.2 MT | 54.7 MT | +4.7 Per Cent | Reflects steady domestic mill expansion. |
| Finished Steel Consumption | 51.9 MT | 56.0 MT | +7.9 Per Cent | Driven by construction and infrastructure. |
| Total Finished Steel Imports | 2.02 MT | 2.77 MT | +36.6 Per Cent | Positions India as a net steel importer. |
| Alloy Steel Exports | 48,700 Tonnes | 122,200 Tonnes | +150.7 Per Cent | Rapid foreign growth in specialized steel. |
| Stainless Steel Imports | 235,100 Tonnes | 497,000 Tonnes | +111.4 Per Cent | Highlights supply deficit in domestic stainless. |
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