India’s steel sector experienced notable changes in April 2025, with finished steel imports decreasing by 11.3 per cent year-on-year to 0.5 million metric tonnes. This decline is attributed to reduced shipments from China and Japan, following the government’s imposition of a 12 per cent temporary safeguard duty aimed at curbing low-cost imports. Specifically, imports from China fell by 26.5 per cent to 0.1 million metric tonnes, while Japanese imports dropped 60 per cent to 85,600 metric tonnes.
Conversely, imports from France and Germany saw significant increases, with shipments rising tenfold and fivefold, respectively, primarily consisting of steel plates used in construction and manufacturing. South Korea emerged as the top exporter to India, with imports slightly increasing to 0.15 million metric tonnes.
On the export front, India’s finished steel exports declined by 25.7 per cent year-on-year to 0.4 million metric tonnes. This reduction is largely due to decreased demand from European markets, notably Italy and Belgium, where exports fell by 60.4 per cent and 6 per cent, respectively. Amid these trade dynamics, the Global Stainless-Steel Expo 2025 (GSSE 2025) is set to commence in Mumbai. The three-day event will bring together over 10,000 industry professionals to discuss challenges such as rising imports and their impact on domestic manufacturers. Key topics will include demand creation, emissions targets, research and development, and fostering collaborations across sectors like renewable energy and electric vehicles.
As India navigates these shifts in its steel trade, the upcoming expo presents an opportunity for stakeholders to address pressing concerns and strategize for sustainable growth in the sector.
