The Chairman of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has called for the imposition of tariffs on steel imports, citing the need to protect the domestic steel industry from rising competition and price pressures. This recommendation comes amid growing concerns over the impact of cheaper imported steel, particularly from China, which is affecting the profitability and stability of Indian steel producers. The chairman highlighted that the influx of foreign steel has created market imbalances, making it difficult for local manufacturers to compete on both price and volume.

India’s steel industry, one of the largest in the world, has been facing challenges from an oversupply of cheaper steel imports, which has put downward pressure on prices. By imposing tariffs, the Indian government could level the playing field for domestic producers, allowing them to compete more effectively and maintain their market share. The SAIL chairman emphasized that protective measures would support the industry’s long-term growth and help safeguard jobs in the steel sector.

Steel tariffs are seen as essential for ensuring that the Indian steel industry can withstand the growing competition from global players, particularly from countries with lower production costs. The chairman’s call aligns with similar demands from other industry stakeholders who have expressed concerns about the current pricing environment and the potential impact on domestic production.

The proposal for tariffs is aimed at fostering a more sustainable domestic steel market, providing Indian producers with the protection they need to continue investing in capacity and technology. With steel being a critical component of India’s infrastructure and construction sectors, the industry’s stability is vital for the country’s overall economic growth.

India’s crude steel production is projected to grow by 32.9%, reaching over 186 million metric tons (MMt) annually by 2030, according to a report by S&P Global Commodity Insights. The report, titled “India’s Circular Economy Goals: Spotlight on Ferrous Scrap”, emphasises the critical role of ferrous scrap in reducing carbon emissions as the country, the world’s second-largest steel producer, transitions towards more sustainable production methods.
The report highlights that as India aims to scale its steel production capacity to 300 MMt by 2030, the use of ferrous scrap through electric arc furnaces (EAFs) and induction furnaces (IFs) will be crucial in reducing the sector’s reliance on high-emission blast furnace routes. The shift aligns with the government’s target of making ferrous scrap 50% of the steel feedstock by 2047.
S&P Global Commodity Insights has also enhanced transparency in ferrous scrap pricing with daily assessments for Indian containerised shredded scrap starting in June 2024. This move aims to reflect the evolving dynamics in the scrap market as Indian steelmakers increasingly rely on spot trades to secure essential scrap inflows.
“The transition to ferrous scrap is crucial for India’s decarbonisation goals,” the report noted, adding that while domestic scrap supply is growing through shipbreaking and vehicle scrappage programs, imports remain vital. UAE is currently a key supplier, but global competition for ferrous scrap is intensifying.
The report also touched upon the challenges facing India’s steel sector in its circular economy shift. These include global regulatory hurdles like the EU’s Waste Shipments Regulation and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which may restrict the availability of ferrous scrap exports. Despite these challenges, the report stresses that ferrous scrap will play a pivotal role in India’s efforts to decarbonise its steel industry.
With the steel industry moving towards indexation and global risk management practices, India’s steelmakers are expected to benefit from increased price stability and improved procurement strategies, the report concluded.

The chairman of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has emphasized the need for India to impose tariffs on steel imports to protect domestic producers from rising competition. This recommendation comes amidst concerns about the adverse effects of cheap steel imports on local manufacturers, which have been struggling to compete with lower-priced foreign products. Implementing tariffs could help stabilize the domestic steel industry, promoting growth and ensuring that local manufacturers can thrive amid global competition.

The chairman argues that by levying tariffs, the government would not only safeguard the interests of domestic steel producers but also encourage investments in the sector, leading to increased production capacity and job creation. He believes that a robust domestic steel industry is crucial for India’s overall economic growth, especially as the country aims to enhance its infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities.

Additionally, the proposed tariffs could help balance the trade deficit by reducing reliance on imported steel, fostering self-sufficiency in the long run. Industry stakeholders are keenly watching the government’s stance on this issue, as it has significant implications for the future of the steel sector in India. By addressing import competition, India can work towards a sustainable and competitive steel industry, ensuring that local businesses can contribute effectively to the nation’s economic landscape.

As discussions continue, the focus remains on finding solutions that support both growth and sustainability within the steel industry, enabling it to meet domestic demands while fostering a resilient economy.