New Delhi: India’s steel industry continued its steady growth momentum in April 2026, driven by strong domestic demand from infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing sectors.
According to official data, crude steel production reached 14.09 million tonnes, marking a 5.8% year-on-year (YoY) increase compared to April 2025. Finished steel production also rose to 13.05 million tonnes, reflecting a 3.4% YoY growth, indicating sustained industrial activity across the country.
Strong Demand Pushes Steel Consumption Up by 8.1%
Steel consumption in April 2026 stood at 12.99 million tonnes, registering a robust 8.1% YoY growth.
This growth highlights continued expansion in key sectors such as:
- Infrastructure development
- Construction activity
- Manufacturing output
The consistent demand trend reflects India’s ongoing economic and industrial expansion.
Trade Balance: India Becomes Marginal Net Importer
On the trade front, India recorded:
- Imports: 0.68 million tonnes (up 30.8% YoY)
- Exports: 0.47 million tonnes (up 24.9% YoY)
This made India a marginal net importer of steel in April 2026, reflecting stronger domestic demand compared to export performance.
Capacity Expansion Moves Toward 300 MTPA Target
India’s total steel production capacity has reached around 220 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in FY 2025–26.
The sector continues to move toward the National Steel Policy target of 300 MTPA by 2030, with major companies investing heavily in expansion, including:
- SAIL
- Tata Steel
- JSW Steel
- JSPL
- AMNS
A key development includes Tata Steel’s new ₹3,200 crore green steel plant in Ludhiana, with a capacity of 0.75 MTPA, based on scrap-based electric arc furnace technology.
Green Steel Initiative Gains Strong Industry Participation
Under the government’s Green Steel Initiative, the National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST) continues to certify environmentally sustainable production.
As of March 31, 2026:
- 90 producers across 15 states certified
- Products include TMT bars, coils, wire rods, and pipes
- Majority of products achieved 5-star green rating
This reflects growing adoption of sustainable steel production practices across India.
Steel Prices Recover Across Segments in April 2026
Domestic steel prices showed a clear recovery trend:
- TMT/Rebar: up ~2.6% MoM and 3% YoY
- HR Coil: up ~6.3% MoM
- GP Sheet: up ~7.3% MoM
This marks the first positive year-on-year price movement after several months of weakness, signaling improved market sentiment.
Raw Material Prices Show Mixed but Firm Trend
Key input materials showed varying movements:
- Domestic iron ore: up 10–11% MoM
- Global coking coal: increased further, adding cost pressure
- Scrap prices: remained largely stable
The rise in raw material costs is expected to influence production economics in the coming quarter.
Outlook: Growth Supported by Infrastructure and Manufacturing Push
The Indian steel sector is expected to maintain its growth trajectory, supported by:
- Continued infrastructure investment
- Expanding manufacturing base
- Strong domestic demand
However, challenges such as raw material volatility, energy costs, and global trade fluctuations remain key factors to watch in the near term.
Read also: Ministry of Steel Launches Skill Devt Courses at NISST to Boost Secondary Steel Sector Workforce
