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India Becomes Net Steel Importer

India net steel importer amid Chinese surge.

Published

1 year ago

August 26, 2024

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India emerged as a net importer of steel during the April-July period of the current fiscal year, driven by a significant increase in shipments from China, according to a recent report. This shift marks a departure from India’s usual status as a net exporter of steel and underscores the changing dynamics in the global and domestic steel markets.

During the April-July period, India imported a substantial volume of steel, with Chinese shipments playing a dominant role. The surge in Chinese steel imports has been attributed to competitive pricing, which has made it more attractive for Indian buyers. This trend has raised concerns among domestic steel producers, who have been grappling with a slowdown in domestic demand and increasing competition from imports.

The rise in steel imports from China has affected India’s trade balance in the steel sector. Traditionally, India has been a net exporter of steel, leveraging its robust domestic production capabilities. However, the current scenario reflects a shift in market dynamics, where imports have outpaced exports, leading to India becoming a net importer.

The domestic steel industry is facing multiple challenges, including a slowdown in demand from key sectors such as construction and infrastructure, which has contributed to a buildup of inventories. At the same time, global factors, such as economic uncertainty and trade tensions, have impacted the overall demand for steel, influencing both production and trade patterns.

Chinese steel producers, benefiting from lower production costs and excess capacity, have been able to export large quantities of steel at competitive prices. This has allowed them to capture a significant share of the Indian market, putting pressure on domestic producers. The influx of Chinese steel has also raised concerns about the impact on domestic steel prices and profitability.

Industry experts have expressed concerns over the long-term implications of this trend, particularly for the domestic steel industry. The increase in imports could potentially lead to reduced capacity utilization and profitability for Indian steel manufacturers. There are also worries about the potential impact on employment in the steel sector, as well as the broader economic implications.

In response to the rising imports, domestic steel producers may seek government intervention in the form of protective measures, such as anti-dumping duties or import restrictions, to safeguard the industry. However, such measures would need to be carefully calibrated to avoid unintended consequences, such as price hikes for downstream industries that rely on steel as a key input.

The situation also highlights the importance of enhancing the competitiveness of the Indian steel industry. This could involve measures to reduce production costs, improve efficiency, and invest in new technologies. Additionally, boosting domestic demand through infrastructure development and other initiatives could help absorb the increased production and reduce reliance on imports.

The current trend of India being a net steel importer, driven by the surge in Chinese imports, underscores the need for a strategic approach to managing the steel sector. Balancing the interests of domestic producers with the need to maintain a competitive market will be crucial in ensuring the long-term health of the industry.

As India navigates this challenging period, the steel industry will need to adapt to the evolving market conditions. This may involve exploring new markets for exports, improving product quality, and enhancing cost competitiveness. The government’s role in supporting the industry through policy measures and infrastructure development will also be critical in shaping the future of India’s steel sector.

In conclusion, the rise in Chinese steel imports has led to India becoming a net steel importer during the April-July period, signaling a shift in market dynamics. This development presents both challenges and opportunities for the domestic steel industry, which will need to adapt to the changing landscape to maintain its competitiveness and contribute to India’s economic growth.

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NMDC Steel Posts Record Output And Efficiency Gains In November

NSL reports its strongest monthly performance across operations

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

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NMDC Steel Limited (NSL), India’s youngest integrated steel plant, closed November 2025 with record operational performance across its entire value chain, supported by stable processes, higher capacity utilisation and improved efficiencies.

The Raw Material Handling System reported its highest-ever daily wagon tippling of 616 on 21 November 2025, alongside a record monthly base mix output of 5,18,886 tonnes. The Sinter Plant delivered its best single-day production of 15,590 tonnes and a record 4,14,271 tonnes for the month, operating at more than 105 per cent of capacity.

The Blast Furnace achieved 11,315 tonnes of hot metal on 28 November—equivalent to 119 per cent of rated capacity—and produced 2,80,049 tonnes for the month, surpassing 101 per cent utilisation. NSL also recorded its lowest monthly average fuel rate of 519 kg per tonne and its highest pulverised coal injection (PCI) rate of 164 kg per tonne.

The Steel Melting Shop, Thin Slab Caster and Hot Strip Mill set new performance benchmarks, reporting monthly HR coil output of 2,03,356 tonnes, crude steel production of 2,09,445 tonnes and liquid steel output of 2,15,010 tonnes, with utilisation levels between 84 and 86 per cent. The plant also achieved its best-ever converter lining life of 4,799 heats and added two commercial grades—IS 2062 E450BR and IS 2062 E350C—to support construction and engineering applications.

Operational optimisation at the Oxygen Plant resulted in power cost savings of around Rs 19 million. The company also completed performance guarantee tests for the Blast Furnace and Turbo Blower packages and secured BIS certifications for IS 2041:2024 and IS 2062 E450BR.

CMD Amitava Mukherjee said the record performance reflects the team’s commitment and positions NSL to contribute strongly to India’s future steel growth.

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Krystal Wins Rs 90 Million Sanitation Contract from Jindal Steel

One-year mandate covers hygiene and upkeep across Jindal Nagar

Published

4 days ago

December 10, 2025

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Krystal Integrated Services Ltd, a leading provider of integrated facility management solutions, has secured a one-year sanitation services contract worth about Rs 90 million from Jindal Steel Limited. The agreement covers comprehensive cleaning and maintenance of plant sanitation facilities at Jindal Nagar in Odisha, aimed at enhancing hygiene and ensuring consistent upkeep across high-footfall areas.

The scope of work includes mechanised housekeeping such as sweeping and mopping, deep cleaning of walls and ceilings, maintenance of urinals, washbasins and shower zones, replenishment of consumables, drainage upkeep and overall cleanliness of toilet surroundings. Krystal will deploy trained personnel, specialised cleaning agents and sanitation equipment to ensure uniform service delivery.

Sanjay Dighe, CEO and Director of Krystal Integrated Services Ltd, said the mandate highlights the company’s commitment to supporting industrial hygiene and worker well-being. He noted that sanitation in large manufacturing environments requires discipline, reliability and process excellence.

The company will implement daily reporting, compliance monitoring and strict adherence to industrial safety standards, ensuring seamless coordination with plant administration. The contract strengthens Krystal’s growing presence in India’s industrial facility management space and underscores its capability to manage large operational mandates.

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Mumbai, Krystal Integrated Services Ltd has grown into one of India’s leading integrated facility management companies, serving sectors including healthcare, education, government, transport and retail. Its operations and client base have expanded significantly in recent years.

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Aichi Steel to Expand Punjab Ties With Rs 5 Billion Investment

Japanese major plans deeper collaboration with Vardhman Steels.

Published

4 days ago

December 10, 2025

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Japanese steel major Aichi Steel has agreed to expand its partnership with Vardhman Special Steels in Punjab through a proposed investment of Rs 5 billion, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Thursday. The development follows the signing of an MoU between the two companies during the CM’s visit to Aichi Steel on the third day of his Japan tour.

Calling it a “red-letter day” for Punjab, Mann said Aichi Steel Corporation — widely recognised as the steel arm of Toyota — has committed to strengthening its role in the state’s industrial growth. The company currently holds a 24.9 per cent stake in Vardhman Special Steels and serves as a key technology partner, signalling a deepening Indo-Japan industrial partnership in Punjab.

The Chief Minister said the Japanese firm will evaluate its future manufacturing operations in the state, including conducting a feasibility study for the proposed Rs 5-billion investment. Mann assured full government support to further the collaboration and emphasised Punjab’s commitment to helping existing Japanese investors scale their operations.

He added that advanced technical cooperation from Aichi Steel, combined with the Vardhman Group’s expertise, would usher in a new phase of industrial development in the state.

Mann also invited Aichi Steel’s leadership to attend the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026, to be held from 13–15 March at the Indian School of Business, Mohali. He said the summit would showcase Punjab’s progress and offer fresh opportunities for collaboration, expressing optimism that Japanese participation would be strong.