Govt Allows ArcelorMittal Nippon to Import Critical Steelmaking Raw Material Amid Import Curbs

In a rare policy exception, the Centre has allowed ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) to bring in an extra 71,500 metric tonnes (MT) of low-ash metallurgical (LAM) coke from Poland even as such imports were still under restrictions. The move follows the company’s plea citing disruption to its steel production due to import rejections.

According to a confidential court filing reviewed by Moneycontrol, AM/NS India jointly owned by the world’s largest steelmaker ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel had earlier sought relief after the government rejected its import orders for 168,300 MT of met coke from Indonesia and Poland. Along with the new allocation, the government has also allowed the company to redirect an earlier quota of 88,000 MT from Russia to Poland.

“The relief was given to AM/NS so that the plant remains functional and production is not throttled,” said a person familiar with the matter.

Met coke, a vital input for steel manufacturing acts as both a reducing agent and fuel in blast furnaces. India imposed curbs on its imports in January 2025, introducing country-specific quotas to protect domestic producers. These restrictions are set to last until June 30.

AM/NS India had challenged the government’s decision in the Delhi High Court on March 5. The case has since been disposed of, indicating a resolution following the Centre’s approval. The company had earlier written to a senior lawmaker, warning that prolonged restrictions could threaten future investments and operational stability in the country’s steel sector.

The relief granted to AM/NS India stands in contrast to similar requests by other industry players like JSW Steel and Trafigura. Both companies approached the Delhi High Court, arguing their import orders were placed before the ban. They also cited Clause 1.05 of the Foreign Trade Policy, which protects prior commitments. However, their pleas were dismissed on March 28.

JSW Steel, along with Amba River Coke, had signed contracts to import 340,000 MT of LAM coke in late 2024. Their applications for relief were turned down by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade on February 6.

Neither AM/NS India, JSW Steel, nor Trafigura responded to requests for comment.