Government Likely to Impose ₹10,500 per Tonne Anti-Dumping Duty on Met Coke Imports

The Indian government is expected to announce the imposition of an anti-dumping duty of around ₹10,500 per tonne on imports of metallurgical coke, also known as met coke, as early as the first week of October. According to industry sources, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has nearly completed its probe into the matter, and an official notification is anticipated soon.

This move comes at a time when domestic producers of met coke have been demanding stronger protection against unfairly low-priced imports from countries such as Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, and Russia. The Indian Metallurgical Coke Manufacturers Association (IMCOM), which represents nearly 85 percent of local production, had requested the investigation earlier this year, citing significant harm to domestic producers.

Met coke plays a crucial role in the steel industry, serving as a key fuel and reducing agent in blast furnaces for producing pig iron and steel. It is also used across foundries, ferro-alloys, and chemical plants, making it an indispensable raw material for heavy industries. However, cheap imports have been undercutting local players, leading to concerns about sustainability of domestic operations.

Between January and August 2025, India’s met coke imports fell 14 percent year-on-year to 2.62 million tonnes. Interestingly, while imports from China dropped 73 percent, supplies from Japan and Colombia surged, and Indonesia remained the largest supplier with over one million tonnes. Despite the overall decline this year, India’s full-year imports in 2024 touched a decade-high of 4.82 million tonnes, compared to 2.34 million tonnes in 2021.

If the proposed duty comes into effect, it may provide relief to Indian manufacturers by creating a level playing field. However, industry experts caution that this could raise input costs for steelmakers such as Tata Steel, JSW Steel, and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, potentially affecting steel prices.

The upcoming decision will be closely watched, as it will influence not only the economics of domestic coke producers but also the broader steel supply chain. By discouraging cheap imports, the government aims to strengthen self-reliance while ensuring fair trade practices in the metallurgical coke market.