[SMM Iron & Steel] India Reverts to Net Importer of Finished Steel in April 2026 Amid Soaring Consumption

Published: May 26, 2026 16:19

Save

According to provisional government data, India became a net importer of finished steel in April 2026—the first month of the 2026-2027 fiscal year. During the month, finished steel imports surged by 30.8% year-on-year to an estimated 0.7 million metric tons (mt), outpacing the 0.5 million mt in exports, which also grew by 24.9% over the corresponding month of the previous year. This trade reversal contrasts with the recently concluded 2025-2026 fiscal year, where India achieved a net exporter status with 6.6 million mt of total exports against 6.5 million mt of imports. The shift was primarily fueled by an 8.2% jump in domestic finished steel consumption to approximately 13 million mt, while crude steel production recorded a narrower 3.9% growth to 13.8 million mt.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

3 hours ago

[SMM Steel Market Flash] Mexico Pushes to Drop 50% US Steel Tariffs in USMCA Review, More Talks Due in June-July

Mexico is formally seeking the removal of US Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum — currently set at 50% — as part of ongoing USMCA review negotiations. Mexico's Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard described the 50% rate as unacceptable and without justification, following May 27-29 talks between Mexico's Ministry of Economy and the US Trade Representative. Mexico is also advocating for a regional approach to the automotive sector, citing deep North American production integration and existing USMCA rules of origin. Additional rounds of negotiations are scheduled for June and July. Separately, Mexico has already mandated that federal construction projects use only domestically produced steel.

3 hours ago

5 hours ago

[SMM Hot Topic] Against the Backdrop of Declining Global Steel Prices, Chinese Steel Companies See Profit Recovery

5 hours ago

8 hours ago

[SMM Steel] Tata Steel Sees Long-Term Growth Opportunity in India

[SMM Steel] Tata Steel expects India’s steel demand to grow by 7-8% annually over the next 20 years, supported by infrastructure development and industrialization. The company plans to expand its domestic steelmaking capacity to over 40 million tonnes per year and strengthen its presence in the Maharashtra market. More than 60-65% of Tata Steel’s annual capex budget of Rs 20,000 crore will continue to be allocated to India. Meanwhile, the company is enhancing supply chain diversification, scenario planning, and hedging strategies to manage geopolitical risks, while focusing on cost and commercial improvements in Europe amid weak demand and high energy costs.

8 hours ago