India Turns Net Exporter of Finished Steel in October Amid Strong Production Growth

India has achieved a significant milestone in its steel sector, emerging as a net exporter of finished steel in October 2025. According to provisional government data reviewed by Reuters, shipments of finished steel reached 0.6 million metric tons, marking a 44.7% year-on-year increase.

In contrast, imports dropped sharply by 55.6% to 0.5 million metric tons, reflecting strong domestic production and reduced dependency on foreign supplies. This shift highlights India’s growing self-reliance in the steel industry and its ability to cater to both domestic and international markets.

The world’s second-largest crude steel producer, India reported 13.4 million metric tons of finished steel production in October, up by 10% from the same month last year. Meanwhile, steel consumption stood at 13.6 million metric tons, recording a 4.7% growth, indicating sustained infrastructure and construction activity across the country.

Crude steel production also remained strong, touching 14.02 million metric tons, up 9.4% year-on-year. The steady rise in output and consumption reflects the sector’s resilience and growing contribution to India’s manufacturing and export economy.

Industry experts attribute this performance to rising infrastructure investments, robust demand from the automotive and construction sectors, and government policies supporting domestic manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative. The sharp decline in imports further underscores the competitiveness of Indian steel producers in meeting both local and global demand.

With consistent production growth and export momentum, India’s steel industry continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s economic expansion. The coming months are expected to see sustained export performance, particularly as global demand stabilizes and India’s steel capacity utilization improves.