THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, MAY 6, 2026

India’s steel sector sustained its growth trajectory in April 2026, recording year-on-year gains across key production and consumption parameters. The month continued to reflect healthy domestic demand momentum and stable industrial activity across infrastructure and manufacturing.

Crude steel production in April 2026 stood at 14.09 million tonnes, up 5.8 per cent year-on-year (YoY) over April 2025 (13.31 million tonnes). Hot metal production grew 5.4 per cent YoY, 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, reflecting continued buoyancy in construction, 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. Tata Steel recently commissioned a ₹3,200 crore scrap-based EAF green steel plant (0.75 MTPA) at Ludhiana — the first of its kind in Punjab.

Under the Ministry of Steel’s Green Steel Initiative, NISST continued its role as the nodal agency for measurement, reporting, verification, and certification of green steel. As on 31st March 2026, NISST had issued green steel certificates to 90 producers across 15 states, spanning products including TMT Bars, HR/CR Coils, Wire Rods, and Pipes. A majority of certified products achieved the highest 5-star rating, reflecting strong uptake of the initiative across secondary and mid-size steel producers.

Domestic steel prices extended their recovery in April 2026 across all major product categories. TMT/Rebar prices rose around 2.6 per cent month-on-month and registered a 3 per cent year-on-year gain — marking the first positive YoY reading after several months of softness. Flat steel prices saw sharper gains, with HR Coil up about 6.3 per cent and GP Sheet up around 7.3 per cent month-on-month, reflecting improved demand conditions.

Raw material prices showed a mixed but broadly firming trend in April 2026. Domestic iron ore prices strengthened notably, with NMDC lump and fines prices rising around 10–11 per cent month-on-month, reflecting improved steel sector demand. Global seaborne iron ore remained largely stable.

International coking coal costs edged up further month-on-month, sustaining elevated input cost pressures for integrated BF-BOF producers heading into Q1 FY 2026–27. Meanwhile, international scrap prices were broadly flat, offering relative stability for electric route steelmakers.

The Indian steel industry is well-positioned to sustain its growth trajectory, supported by continued infrastructure investment and expanding manufacturing activity. Navigating energy security, raw material cost volatility, and global trade developments will remain key priorities for the sector in the year ahead.