India Remains Net Steel Importer in H1 FY27 as Domestic Demand Surges
- Crude steel output: 85.1 Mt
- Consumption growth: 7.5% YoY
- Net steel importer: 4.14 Mt imported
- Safety council formed: Chaired by Steel Secretary
India absorbed 84.9 million tonnes of finished steel in the first half of FY 2026–27, outpacing domestic output and cementing the country's status as a net importer. According to provisional Joint Plant Committee figures released by the Ministry of Steel, domestic consumption expanded 7.5% year-on-year, driven by robust infrastructure outlays and sustained manufacturing momentum.
Crude steel production climbed 2.9% to 85.1 million tonnes during the April–September period, while finished steel output reached 81.8 million tonnes. Inbound shipments surged 23.8% to 4.14 million tonnes, valued at ₹43,690 crore, handily exceeding outbound shipments of 3.55 million tonnes. Benchmark domestic prices also hardened significantly, with hot-rolled coil touching ₹76,085 per tonne in September, up 26.8% from the previous year.
To tighten workplace standards amid rapid industrial expansion, the government is establishing an apex Steel Industry Safety Council alongside a dedicated enforcement directorate. At the same time, decarbonization efforts saw 101 domestic steelmakers secure Green Steel Certificates, underscoring regulatory momentum toward cleaner metallurgy even as mills scramble to bridge the local supply deficit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much crude steel did India produce in H1 FY 2026–27?
India produced 85.1 million tonnes of crude steel between April and September 2026, marking a 2.9% year-on-year increase.
Why is India a net importer of finished steel?
Strong domestic infrastructure and industrial demand drove finished steel consumption to 84.9 million tonnes, requiring 4.14 million tonnes of imports to supplement domestic output.
What is the Steel Industry Safety Council?
It is a newly announced apex body chaired by the Steel Secretary, tasked with formulating national safety standards, conducting plant audits, and curbing industrial accidents.
Source
Press Information Bureau Release No. 2319469, Ministry of Steel (Release ID: 2319469) · 2026-10-06
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