India’s finished steel exports rose sharply by 33.3% year-on-year to 4.8 million metric tons between April and December 2025, according to provisional government data. Strong overseas demand and competitive pricing drove the surge, positioning India as a net exporter despite rising imports and domestic consumption pressures in the steel sector.
India has recorded a robust increase in finished steel exports during the first nine months of FY2025–26. Government data shows exports reached 4.8 million metric tons between April and December 2025, up 33.3% compared to the same period last year. This performance underscores India’s growing role as a key supplier in global steel markets.
Key Highlights
-
Export growth: Shipments rose by one-third year-on-year, reflecting strong demand from overseas buyers.
-
Net exporter status: India exported more finished steel than it imported (4.65 million tons), maintaining a positive trade balance.
-
Production & consumption: Domestic production stood at 117.6 million tons, while consumption was slightly higher at 119.3 million tons, highlighting strong local demand.
-
Policy backdrop: The government recently imposed safeguard duties on certain steel imports, particularly from China, to protect domestic producers.
-
Global positioning: Analysts note India’s competitive pricing and expanding capacity are helping it capture market share in Asia and Europe.
This surge in exports highlights India’s dual strength in meeting domestic demand while expanding its global footprint, reinforcing its position as the world’s second-largest crude steel producer.
Sources: Moneycontrol, The Hindu BusinessLine, ET Infra