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India's Core Sector Growth Hits 3.7% in Dec, Led by Cement & Fertiliser Surge

India's eight core infrastructure industries registered a growth of 3.7% in December 2025, a notable increase from the 2.1% growth observed in November. The expansion was driven by robust double-digit growth in cement production and strong performances in steel, electricity, fertiliser, and coal. The cumulative growth rate for the April-December period of the 2025-26 fiscal year stands at 2.6%. This positive core sector data follows a record high 6.7% growth in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for November.

Key Points: India's Core Sector Growth Rises to 3.7% in December 2025

  • Cement production surged 13.5%
  • Steel output grew by 6.9%
  • Fertiliser production rose 4.1%
  • Cumulative growth for FY 2025-26 stands at 2.6%
2 min read

India's core sector growth up by 3.7 pc in Dec as fertiliser, cement, coal production rise

India's eight core industries grew 3.7% in Dec 2025, with cement, steel, and fertiliser production showing strong positive growth. See the data.

"The combined Index of Eight Core Industries increased by 3.7 per cent in December 2025 - Government Data"

New Delhi, Jan 20

The combined Index of Eight Core Industries increased by 3.7 per cent in December 2025 as production of cement, steel, electricity, fertiliser and coal recorded positive growth last month, the government data showed on Tuesday.

The final growth rate of Index of Eight Core Industries for November 2025 was observed at 2.1 per cent.

The cumulative growth rate of ICI during April to December, 2025-26 is 2.6 per cent (provisional) as compared to the corresponding period of last year, the Commerce Ministry data showed.

According to the data, steel production increased by 6.9 per cent in December 2025 over December, 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 9.5 per cent during April to December, 2025-26 over corresponding period of the previous year.

The coal production increased by 3.6 per cent last month over December 2024 and its cumulative index declined by 0.7 per cent during April to December 2025-26 over corresponding period of the previous year.

Moreover, fertiliser production increased by 4.1 per cent in December 2025 over December 2024, its cumulative index increased by 1.7 per cent during April to December 2025-26 over corresponding period of the previous year.

The data further showed that cement production increased by 13.5 per cent in December 2025 over December 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 8.8 per cent during April to December, 2025-26 over corresponding period of the previous year.

Also, electricity generation was up by 5.3 per cent last month and its cumulative index increased by 0.3 per cent during April to December 2025-26.

Meanwhile, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) registered a record high growth of 6.7 per cent (quick estimate) in November, compared to 5 per cent in the same month last year. The manufacturing sector grew strongly on a year-on-year basis by 8 per cent in November.

This acceleration is attributed to the fact that 20 out of 23 industry groups at the "NIC 2-digit-level" have recorded a positive growth in November 2025 over November 2024 in the manufacturing sector.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The 13.5% jump in cement production is impressive! This is a clear sign of a construction boom. As someone in real estate, I can feel the momentum. However, I hope this growth is sustainable and not just a seasonal spike.
R
Rohit P
Numbers look decent on paper, but what about the quality of growth? Is it concentrated in a few states or widespread? Also, coal's cumulative index is still negative. We need to balance thermal and renewable energy more aggressively.
P
Priya S
Steel at 6.9% and manufacturing up 8%! This is the engine for 'Make in India'. If this continues, it will boost exports and reduce our trade deficit. Feeling optimistic about the economic direction. 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
The data is promising, but I'm curious about the regional distribution. Are the benefits of this industrial growth reaching tier-2 and tier-3 cities? Inclusive growth is key for long-term stability.
K
Kavya N
As a farmer's daughter, I'm most happy about the 4.1% rise in fertiliser production. Timely and affordable fertiliser means a lot for the upcoming Rabi season. Hope the government ensures smooth supply chains to villages.

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