New Delhi: India’s largest public sector steel producer, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), has delivered its strongest annual operational performance in FY 2025-26, achieving record-breaking sales and production across major business segments.
The company reported its highest-ever steel sales of 20.14 million tonnes (MT), marking an 11.5 per cent increase over the previous year’s 18.07 MT, while crude steel and saleable steel output also touched historic highs, reflecting strong demand, production efficiency and expanding market reach.
Record Sales Cross 20 Million Tonnes
SAIL’s total steel sales reached 20.14 MT during FY 2025-26, making it the highest annual sales volume in the company’s history.
In the previous financial year, sales stood at 18.07 MT, meaning the company added more than 2 million tonnes in annual sales volume.
Officials said the growth was broad-based and visible across all major product categories, indicating stronger domestic market penetration and improved customer reach.
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Highest-Ever Crude Steel and Saleable Steel Output
On the production side, SAIL also recorded new operational highs.
Production figures:
- Crude Steel Output: 19.43 MT
- Saleable Steel Production: 19.176 MT
Both figures represent the highest annual production levels ever achieved by the company.
The performance reflects improved plant utilisation and better operational efficiency across production units.
Operational Efficiency Improves Across Plants
Company officials said operational parameters improved significantly during the year.
The gains were driven by:
- Better production planning
- Improved plant efficiency
- Optimised raw material utilisation
- Higher throughput across steel plants
These factors helped the company maintain competitiveness while improving output quality and cost efficiency.
Strong Supply to Indian Railways
A major highlight of FY26 performance was SAIL’s record supply to Indian Railways.
The company supplied:
- 1.25 MT steel to Indian Railways
This is one of the highest annual supply volumes by SAIL to the railway sector.
Universal Rail Mill Achieves All-Time High Output
SAIL also reported record production of long rails from its Universal Rail Mill.
The output supports India’s expanding railway infrastructure and freight corridor development.
The rail segment remains strategically important because SAIL is a major supplier for:
- Rail tracks
- Long rails
- Special railway steel
Exports Surge 162 Per Cent
Exports showed particularly strong growth during FY26.
SAIL exported:
- 2.9 lakh tonnes steel
This represents 162 per cent growth over the previous year.
Expansion Into New International Markets
The export increase was supported by entry into new overseas markets, including Bhutan.
Officials said expanding international market presence remains part of SAIL’s long-term commercial strategy.
The company is focusing on:
- Regional export opportunities
- Product diversification
- Brand expansion in neighbouring markets
Stronger Brand Presence and Market Reach
The company said the record numbers also reflect improved brand positioning and wider customer engagement.
Growth came from:
- Domestic infrastructure demand
- Rail sector supplies
- Industrial steel demand
- Export expansion
Strategic Importance for India’s Steel Sector
As India continues large-scale infrastructure expansion, SAIL’s output remains critical for:
- Railways
- Construction
- Heavy engineering
- Public infrastructure
The company’s FY26 performance is being viewed as an indicator of strong industrial demand in the economy.
About SAIL
Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) is one of India’s largest steel producers and a public-sector undertaking under the Ministry of Steel. Headquartered in New Delhi, SAIL operates integrated and mini steel plants across India and plays a key role in meeting the country’s steel demand, supporting infrastructure growth and industrial development.
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