India a Net Steel Importer for Second Year in FY25 as Imports Rise, Exports Fall

India A Net Steel Importer For Second Year In FY25 as Imports Rise, Exports Fall India stayed a net importer of steel for the second fiscal year running in 2024-25 as the supply of complete steel soared to 9.5 million metric tonnes, an increase of 14.6% year on year, according to preliminary Officially released on April 9th government data.

In comparison, exports saw a dramatic 35.1 percent year-on-year drop to 4.9 million mt. The imbalance between exports and imports further underscored India’s role as a net importer of steel goods, which has now stretched to two full years. India produced approximately 151.1 million mt of crude steel in FY25, up 4.7% year on year. On the other hand, domestic finished steel sales increased by 10.2 percent to 150.2 million mt.

Rising consumption combined with a flattening export trajectory might have bolstered India’s reliance on steel imports. This may be attributed to keener pricing from global providers and lackluster export interest from established consumers, according to industry experts. The data reveals India’s steel sector changing business aspects, which has long been self-adequate and export-friendly.

Increasing consumption additionally implies that facilities and industries are in top shape. Still, rising import quantities might be troubling to domestic producers who now face narrower margins and stiffer competition. As the government supports ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ current statistics might stimulate a rethink of trade laws and supporting structure for the local steel industry. Further accurate statistics and studies will be available when full data is offered in a few months.