Archive · 25 Sep 2026
India Becomes Net Steel Importer During April-August Period
India bought more finished steel from other countries than it sold during the first five months of its financial year.
The period ran from April through August.
India imported 3.5 million metric tons of finished steel.
This was 29.5% more than during the same period a year earlier.
India also exported 2.99 million metric tons, which was 34.1% more than a year earlier.
China was the biggest supplier of steel to India.
Vietnam was the biggest buyer of Indian steel.
India produced 71 million metric tons of crude steel during the period.
India imported 3.5 million metric tons of finished steel during April-August, up 29.5% year over year.
Finished steel exports reached 2.99 million metric tons, increasing 34.1% from a year earlier.
China supplied 31.8% of India’s finished steel imports, the largest share among exporters.
Vietnam was India’s leading finished steel export destination, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Belgium and Nepal.
India’s crude steel production rose 2.8% year over year to 71 million metric tons, while hot-rolled coils and strips were the most traded products.
- Who
- India, China, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Belgium and Nepal were identified in the trade data.
- What
- India was a net importer of finished steel during April-August, importing more than it exported.
- When
- During the first five months of the financial year beginning in April; the data was published September 25, 2026.
- Where
- The trade involved India and its major steel supplier and destination countries.
- Why
- India’s finished steel imports exceeded its finished steel exports during the period.
- Finished steel imports
- 3.5 million metric tons
- Import growth
- 29.5% year over year
- Finished steel exports
- 2.99 million metric tons
- Export growth
- 34.1% year over year
- Largest import source
- China, with 31.8% of India’s total finished steel imports
- Crude steel production
- 71 million metric tons, up 2.8% year over year
- Most traded products
- Hot-rolled coils and strips