The India steel sector recorded broad-based growth during April-July 2026, with crude steel, hot metal and finished steel production rising year-on-year, according to a Ministry of Steel.
Crude steel production increased 2.4% to 56.2 million tonnes from 54.9 million tonnes in the same period last year. Hot metal output rose 2.7% to 31.9 million tonnes, while finished steel production climbed 4.7% to 54.7 million tonnes. In July alone, crude steel output was 14.4 million tonnes, hot metal 8.4 million tonnes and finished steel 14 million tonnes.
Steel Demand and Trade Show Higher Activity
Finished steel consumption reached 56 million tonnes during April-July, up 7.9% from 51.9 million tonnes a year earlier. Finished steel imports rose 36.6% to 2.766 million tonnes, while exports increased 35% to 2.292 million tonnes. India remained a net importer of finished steel in quantity terms during the period.
China was the largest source of finished steel imports at 855,800 tonnes, followed by Korea at 835,400 tonnes and Japan at 413,300 tonnes. Vietnam led exports at 354,000 tonnes, followed by the UAE at 339,600 tonnes. Hot-rolled coil/strip was the largest import and export category.
Alloy steel production increased 26.7% to 3.71 million tonnes in April-July, while consumption rose 22.1% to 4.023 million tonnes. Stainless steel production declined 4.2% to 1.376 million tonnes, while consumption increased 25% to 1.77 million tonnes.
Steel prices were also higher than a year earlier in August. TMT was at ₹58,003 per tonne, HR coil at ₹70,448, CR coil at ₹76,463 and GP sheet at ₹86,668. The corresponding year-on-year changes were 5.8%, 15.5%, 13.3% and 17.7%.
Domestic raw material prices showed mixed movement. NMDC iron ore lump and fines prices fell 3.7% and 4.3%, respectively, while MOIL manganese ore declined 5%. HMS II scrap increased 3.6%.
The Ministry also highlighted a monthly digitalisation webinar series launched on August 21, notification of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 on August 17, and trial operations at NMDC’s 2.0 MTPA iron ore beneficiation plant at Bacheli. MECON and NSL also signed an MoA for consultancy services. Separately, 98 steel producers across 15 states received Green Steel Certificates covering products including TMT bars, HR/CR coils, plates, wire rods and pipes.
