India’s steel sector continued to grow strongly in April 2026, supported by solid demand from infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing sectors. Steel production, consumption, and prices all moved higher during the month, showing stable industrial activity across the country.
India produced 14.09 million tonnes of crude steel in April 2026, up 5.8% from 13.31 million tonnes a year earlier. Hot metal production also increased 5.4% YoY. However, pig iron output fell 6% YoY to 0.69 million tonnes. Finished steel production reached 13.05 million tonnes, rising 3.4% compared to April 2025.
Finished steel consumption stood at 12.99 million tonnes in April, registering strong 8.1% YoY growth. The increase reflects continued demand from housing projects, infrastructure construction, engineering activity, and manufacturing industries.
India remained a marginal net importer of steel during the month. Steel imports rose to 0.68 million tonnes from 0.52 million tonnes last year, marking a 30.8% increase. Exports also increased 24.9% YoY to 0.47 million tonnes compared to 0.38 million tonnes in April 2025.
India’s total steelmaking capacity reached around 220 MTPA in FY 2025–26, moving closer to the National Steel Policy target of 300 MTPA by 2030. Major companies including SAIL, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Jindal Steel and Power, and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India continued expansion projects. Tata Steel recently commissioned a Rs 3,200 crore scrap based EAF green steel plant with 0.75 MTPA capacity in Ludhiana, Punjab.
India’s Green Steel initiative also expanded rapidly. NISST issued green steel certificates to 90 producers across 15 states by March 31, 2026. Certified products included TMT bars, HR and CR coils, wire rods, and pipes. Most products received the highest 5 star rating, showing growing adoption of cleaner steel production methods among secondary and mid sized producers.
Domestic steel prices recovered sharply in April 2026 across major categories. TMT and rebar prices increased around 2.6% month on month and were also up 3% YoY, marking the first positive yearly growth after months of weakness. Flat steel prices saw stronger gains, with HR Coil prices rising about 6.3% and GP Sheet prices increasing around 7.3% month on month due to improving demand conditions.
Raw material prices remained mixed but firm overall. NMDC iron ore lump and fines prices increased around 10% to 11% month on month due to stronger steel sector demand. Global iron ore prices remained mostly stable, while international coking coal prices continued to rise, increasing cost pressure on integrated steel producers. International scrap prices stayed largely flat, helping electric route steelmakers maintain stability.
India’s Steel Demand Surges in April 2026 as Prices Rebound, Production Hits 14.09 MT
Kanika Sharma is a Geopolitical Analyst and Editor at BigBreakingWire. She holds a Master's degree in History from the Central University of Punjab, with an academic background in qualitative research, text analysis, and historical frameworks. At BigBreakingWire, she analyzes global trade shifts, international policies, geopolitical developments, semiconductor supply chains, manufacturing policies, and sovereign industrial initiatives. Her work combines historical context with contemporary policy and macroeconomic analysis to explain complex global developments clearly and accurately.
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