India's Steel Ministry Opposes Import Limits on Key Steelmaking Ingredient
Steel

India's Steel Ministry Opposes Import Limits on Key Steelmaking Ingredient

India's Ministry of Steel has expressed opposition to limiting imports of low ash metallurgical coke, an essential raw material for steel production, according to a source familiar with the matter and a government note reviewed by Reuters. This stance could hinder local producers who have raised concerns about rising imports since 2019/20.

In April, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the trade ministry, recommended capping these imports at 2.85 million metric tons for a year, following complaints from local producers. The final decision, however, rests with the commerce ministry, which has yet to comment.

The steel ministry?s resistance to import restrictions is driven by strong domestic demand and issues with the quality of local production. ?The domestic merchant producers of coke are not fully capable of meeting the demand of met coke of the country, particularly on quality grounds,? stated Nagendra Nath Sinha, the ministry?s top civil servant, in a letter to the trade ministry dated May 29.

India, the world's second-largest crude steel producer, has seen its imports of low ash metallurgical coke surge over 61% in the past four years, primarily from China, Indonesia, and Poland. The ministry warned that adopting DGTR?s recommendations could disrupt supply chains, production, and the steel industry?s downstream customers.

A senior executive at a major steel mill, requesting anonymity, highlighted that import restrictions would elevate steel prices and increase costs for coking coal, further burdening smaller steel producers.

India's Ministry of Steel has expressed opposition to limiting imports of low ash metallurgical coke, an essential raw material for steel production, according to a source familiar with the matter and a government note reviewed by Reuters. This stance could hinder local producers who have raised concerns about rising imports since 2019/20. In April, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the trade ministry, recommended capping these imports at 2.85 million metric tons for a year, following complaints from local producers. The final decision, however, rests with the commerce ministry, which has yet to comment. The steel ministry?s resistance to import restrictions is driven by strong domestic demand and issues with the quality of local production. ?The domestic merchant producers of coke are not fully capable of meeting the demand of met coke of the country, particularly on quality grounds,? stated Nagendra Nath Sinha, the ministry?s top civil servant, in a letter to the trade ministry dated May 29. India, the world's second-largest crude steel producer, has seen its imports of low ash metallurgical coke surge over 61% in the past four years, primarily from China, Indonesia, and Poland. The ministry warned that adopting DGTR?s recommendations could disrupt supply chains, production, and the steel industry?s downstream customers. A senior executive at a major steel mill, requesting anonymity, highlighted that import restrictions would elevate steel prices and increase costs for coking coal, further burdening smaller steel producers.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

CONCOR Launches Double-stack Service Between NCR and Varnama

State-run Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has launched double-stack container train services between the National Capital Region (NCR) and Varnama near Baroda. This initiative aims to facilitate customers at Nhava Sheva near Mumbai, home to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (J N Port). On December 21, the first double-stack container train from Khatuwas and Dadri in NCR reached CONCOR’s Gati Shakti Multimodal Cargo Terminal (GCT) at Varnama, situated along the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). The train carried export cargo destined for J N Port, according to a statement from the state..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Less than 10% of Rs 40 Billion State-aid for Shipbuilding Utilised

A government-sanctioned financial assistance program worth Rs 40 billion, intended to support local shipbuilders over a decade starting in April 2016, has seen minimal utilisation, with only Rs 3.85 billion—less than 10 per cent of the total fund—disbursed thus far. With 15 months remaining before the scheme concludes, its uptake has been limited. The financial aid applies to shipbuilding contracts signed between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2026. According to a written response provided by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal to the Rajya Sabha on December ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Civil Aviation Minister Opens New ATC Tower at Indore Airport

The Minister for Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, inaugurated the new Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower-cum-technical block at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. During the inauguration, the minister toured the facility, where ATC experts explained various technical aspects of tracking and coordinating flights from the newly constructed tower. In addition to the ATC tower, the airport has also introduced a zero-waste plant. The union minister confirmed that this initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainability. Minister Ki..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000