India’s Iron Ore Output Rises 29.5% in July; Steel Growth Moderates to 2.9%

India’s iron ore sector recorded strong growth in July 2026, significantly outpacing the expansion in steel production, according to provisional data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The iron ore production index increased 29.5% year on year in July, following a 44.5% rise in June. During April–July 2026, iron ore output grew 25.2% year on year, reversing the 5.5% contraction recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. The government identified iron ore as one of the principal drivers of India’s core-industry growth in recent months.

Steel production, meanwhile, increased by a more moderate 2.9% year on year in July, slowing from 5.6% in June. The steel production index nevertheless rose sequentially to 141.0 from 136.8. During the first four months of FY2026–27, steel output expanded 4.5% year on year, compared with 11% growth during April–July 2025, indicating a moderation in the sector’s growth rate.

Among other sectors connected with metals and manufacturing, coal production increased 7.6% year on year in July, although cumulative output during April–July remained 3.1% lower. Electricity generation grew 9% in July and 9.3% during April–July, while cement production increased 13.1% and 9.9%, respectively.

India’s combined Index of Eight Core Industries grew 5.4% year on year in July, compared with a revised 6% in June. Cumulative core-sector growth accelerated to 4.3% during April–July 2026, from 1.5% in the corresponding period last year. The July figures are provisional and are calculated using FY2022–23 as the base year