India's Steel Sector Sustains Growth Momentum in April with 5.8% Rise

India's steel sector sustained its growth momentum in April with a 5.8% increase in crude steel production to 14.09 million tonnes. Domestic demand remained robust driven by strong performance in infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. Finished steel consumption grew 8.1% year-on-year to 12.99 million tonnes. Major steel players continue capacity expansion, with Tata Steel commissioning a new green steel plant in Punjab.

Key Points: India Steel Output Up 5.8% in April, Demand Strong

  • Crude steel production up 5.8% to 14.09 MT in April
  • Finished steel consumption grew 8.1% YoY to 12.99 MT
  • India became a marginal net importer with imports up 30.8%
  • Tata Steel commissioned Rs 3,200 crore green steel plant in Ludhiana
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India's steel sector sustains growth momentum in April: Govt

India's crude steel production rose 5.8% to 14.09 MT in April, driven by strong infrastructure and manufacturing demand.

"Domestic steel prices extended their recovery...driven by the strong demand. - Official Statement"

New Delhi, May 6

India's steel sector sustained its growth trajectory during April with a 5.8 per cent increase in crude steel production to 14.09 million tonnes, from 13.31 million tonnes in the same month of the previous year while the domestic demand momentum stayed robust on the back of continued buoyancy across infrastructure and manufacturing, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.

Domestic steel prices also extended their recovery during the month across all major product categories driven by the strong demand.

Hot metal production grew 5.4 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in April, while pig iron output (0.69 million tonnes) posted a decline of 6 per cent YoY. Finished steel production reached 13.05 million tonnes, up 3.4 per cent YoY. Finished steel consumption in April 2026 was 12.99 million tonnes, registering growth of 8.1 per cent YoY driven by the strong performance of infrastructure, and manufacturing end-use segments.

On the trade front, imports stood at 0.68 million tonnes and exports at 0.47 million tonnes, making India a marginal net importer during the month. Compared to April 2025, imports of 0.52 million tonnes and exports of 0.38 million tonnes, a growth of 30.8 per cent and 24.9 per cent was registered in imports and exports, respectively, in April 2026.

India's total steel capacity stood at approximately 220 MTPA in FY 2025-26, on track toward the National Steel Policy target of 300 MTPA by 2030. Major players including SAIL, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, JSPL, and AMNS continued investments in capacity expansion, with Tata Steel recently commissioning a Rs 3,200 crore scrap-based EAF green steel plant (0.75 MTPA) at Ludhiana - the first of its kind in Punjab.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
8.1% growth in consumption is impressive! Finally seeing the benefits of increased infrastructure spending. But I hope the government is also monitoring environmental impact of these steel plants. Green steel at Ludhiana is a good start 👍
V
Vikram M
220 MTPA capacity and targeting 300 by 2030 - that's ambitious! But are we able to export enough? 0.47 million tonnes exports vs 0.68 imports shows we're still dependent on foreign steel. Need to boost quality and competitiveness.
J
James A
Interesting data. As an expat working in Indian manufacturing, I see the demand firsthand. The scrap-based EAF plant in Ludhiana is a smart move - recycling steel reduces carbon footprint. Hope more such green initiatives come up.
R
Rohit P
Good numbers, but the decline in pig iron output (-6%) is worrying. Might affect downstream industries like automotive castings. Also, with elections coming, hope these projects aren't delayed. Need continuity in policy!
K
Kavya N
My husband works in SAIL and he says the industry is finally seeing good days after the COVID slump. But workers still face challenges - wages haven't kept up with inflation. Hope the growth translates to better livelihoods for steel workers 🙏
M
Michael C
As someone from the UK who's

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