Indian Economy News

Indian Steel Sector Maintains Growth Momentum in April 2026

India’s steel sector continued its upward growth trajectory in April 2026, supported by strong domestic demand from the infrastructure, construction and manufacturing sectors. According to the Ministry of Steel, crude steel production rose 5.8% year-on-year (YoY) to 14.09 million tonnes, while finished steel production increased 3.4% YoY to 13.05 million tonnes. Finished steel consumption reached 12.99 million tonnes, recording a robust 8.1% YoY growth, indicating sustained industrial activity across the country. On the trade front, steel imports stood at 0.68 million tonnes and exports at 0.47 million tonnes, making India a marginal net importer during the month. Compared with April 2025, imports and exports registered growth of 30.8% and 24.9%, respectively. The sector’s positive momentum reflects rising domestic demand and improving market sentiment.

India’s steelmaking capacity reached nearly 220 MTPA in 2025-26 and remains on track to achieve the National Steel Policy target of 300 MTPA by 2030. Major companies, including SAIL, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, JSPL and AMNS, continued expanding capacity and investing in advanced production technologies. Tata Steel recently commissioned a Rs. 3,200 crore (US$ 345.20 million) scrap-based EAF green steel plant in Ludhiana, marking Punjab’s first such facility. Under the Green Steel Initiative, NISST issued green steel certificates to 90 producers across 15 states by March 31, 2026. Domestic steel prices also recovered during April 2026, with gains recorded across TMT bars, HR coils and GP sheets, while iron ore and coking coal prices remained firm. 

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.