[SMM Iron & Steel] India to Increase Iron Ore Imports to Seven-Year High in FY2026

Published: Mar 26, 2026 13:27

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India is projected to increase its iron ore imports to a seven-year high of 14 million tonnes in the 2025/2026 financial year to support its rapidly expanding steel production capacity. This trend reflects a strategic shift by Indian steelmakers toward sourcing high-grade international ores to optimize blast furnace efficiency as domestic crude steel production targets continue to rise. Despite being a major producer and exporter of iron ore, India's growing appetite for premium-grade feedstock is expected to make it a more prominent player in the global seaborne iron ore trade.

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