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Build Connect 2026 to Strengthen Dealer Networks as Steel Sector Grows

India's steel and construction materials sector is expanding rapidly, with production rising and capacity projected to reach 300 million tonnes by 2030. As volumes grow, the industry is shifting focus to the efficiency and strength of dealer-distributor networks that connect mills to end users. To address this, stakeholders have announced Build Connect 2026, a national expo and conference aimed at strengthening these critical market linkages. The event will bring together dealers, manufacturers, financiers, and technology providers to support the sector's evolution and penetration into Tier 2 and 3 markets.

Key Points: Build Connect 2026 Expo to Boost Steel, Construction Distribution

  • Steel output crossed 160MT in 2025
  • Trade channels move 50MT of steel annually
  • Dealer-distributor sales estimated at ₹3.5 lakh crore
  • Expo to attract 300+ distributors & 3000+ dealers
2 min read

Build Connect 2026 to spotlight dealer-distributor networks as steel, construction sector expands

India's steel & construction sector focuses on dealer-distributor networks. Build Connect 2026 expo aims to strengthen market linkages as demand grows.

"distribution capability, geographic reach and operational readiness are emerging as critical growth enablers - Industry stakeholders"

New Delhi, January 16

India's steel and construction materials sector is entering a decisive phase, marked not just by rapid capacity expansion but by a growing emphasis on how efficiently that scale reaches markets.

With domestic demand remaining firm, production is rising steadily. Industry data compiled by BigMint shows India's steel output crossed 160 million tonnes in calendar year 2025, while installed capacity is projected to approach 300 million tonnes by the end of this decade. Cement capacity expansion is following a similar trajectory, supported by sustained infrastructure spending and housing demand.

As volumes increase, industry attention is shifting from sheer production growth to the strength of distribution networks connecting mills to end users.

In FY26, finished steel consumption stood at around 162 million tonnes, with nearly 50 million tonnes moving through trade-led channels such as dealers, distributors and stockyards, many of them operating at the MSME level.

By 2030, steel demand is expected to touch 210 million tonnes, with trade-led distribution volumes rising to nearly 70 million tonnes annually. This growth is being driven by deeper penetration into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, a higher share of value-added products and gradual modernisation within the dealer ecosystem.

These trends were discussed at a curtain-raiser event at the Press Club of India, where industry stakeholders announced Build Connect 2026, a national expo-cum-conference focused on strengthening dealer-distributor linkages in steel and construction materials. Speakers noted that as product portfolios become more complex, distribution capability, geographic reach and operational readiness are emerging as critical growth enablers.

BigMint estimates that nearly Rs 3.5 lakh crore in steel and construction material sales flow annually through dealer-distributor channels, underscoring the need for better access to finance, improved liquidity cycles, and smarter inventory management.

Build Connect 2026 is positioned as a platform to bring together dealers, manufacturers, EPC players, architects, financiers and technology providers. Scheduled for February 19 to February 20, 2026, at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, the event is expected to attract over 300 distributors and more than 3,000 MSME-scale dealers, reflecting the scale and diversity of India's evolving trade-led distribution network.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
The numbers are staggering – 70 million tonnes through trade channels by 2030! It shows the backbone of India's growth isn't just the big factories, but thousands of small distributors in every district. Efficient distribution is key to controlling costs for end consumers like home builders.
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Arjun K
Finally, the spotlight is on the dealer network. For too long, policy has focused only on production. But if material doesn't reach a builder in Lucknow or a fabricator in Coimbatore on time and at a fair price, the entire chain suffers. Modernising this last-mile link is crucial for 'Make in India'.
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Priyanka N
While the conference is a good step, I hope it doesn't become another talk shop. The article mentions Rs 3.5 lakh crore in sales through these channels – that's huge liquidity. The real test will be if banks and NBFCs actually simplify loan processes for MSME dealers post-event. Action on the ground matters more than announcements.
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Vikram M
The growth in Tier 2 & 3 markets is the real story. Infrastructure push is creating demand in smaller cities, and local dealers are the ones fulfilling it. They need training on new, value-added products. Hope Build Connect has sessions in regional languages too, not just English.
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Michael C
Interesting read. The scale of India's construction sector is immense. Integrating technology for inventory management across this vast, fragmented distributor network could be a game-changer for efficiency and reducing waste. Will be watching to see what solutions emerge from the expo.

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