India’s steel sector continued its growth momentum in April 2026, recording year-on-year increases across key production and consumption indicators, according to the Ministry of Steel.
The ministry said domestic demand remained healthy during the month, supported by stable industrial activity across infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.
Crude steel production in April 2026 stood at 14.09 million tonnes, registering a 5.8 per cent year-on-year increase compared to 13.31 million tonnes in April 2025. Hot metal production rose 5.4 per cent year-on-year, while pig iron output declined 6 per cent year-on-year to 0.69 million tonnes.
Finished steel production reached 13.05 million tonnes, up 3.4 per cent year-on-year. Finished steel consumption stood at 12.99 million tonnes during the month, recording an 8.1 per cent year-on-year increase, reflecting continued demand from construction, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.
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 April 2026.
Compared to April 2025, imports increased 30.8 per cent from 0.52 million tonnes, while exports rose 24.9 per cent from 0.38 million tonnes.
The Ministry of Steel said India’s total steelmaking capacity stood at around 220 MTPA during FY 2025-26 and remains on track towards the National Steel Policy target of 300 MTPA by 2030.
Major steel producers including SAIL, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, JSPL and AMNS continued capacity expansion investments during the year. The ministry noted that Tata Steel recently commissioned a ₹3,200 crore scrap-based electric arc furnace green steel plant with 0.75 MTPA capacity at Ludhiana in Punjab.
Under the Ministry of Steel’s Green Steel Initiative, NISST continued functioning as the nodal agency for measurement, reporting, verification and certification of green steel.
As of March 31, 2026, NISST had issued green steel certificates to 90 producers across 15 states covering products such as TMT bars, HR/CR coils, wire rods and pipes. The ministry said a majority of certified products achieved the highest 5-star rating.
Domestic steel prices continued recovering across major product categories during April 2026.
TMT and rebar prices rose around 2.6 per cent month-on-month and also recorded a 3 per cent year-on-year increase, marking the first positive year-on-year movement after several months of softness.
Flat steel prices recorded sharper gains, with HR Coil prices increasing around 6.3 per cent month-on-month and GP Sheet prices rising around 7.3 per cent month-on-month, reflecting improved demand conditions.
The ministry said raw material prices showed a mixed but broadly firming trend during April 2026.
Domestic iron ore prices strengthened significantly, with NMDC lump and fines prices rising around 10-11 per cent month-on-month.
International coking coal prices also edged higher month-on-month, maintaining elevated input cost pressures for integrated BF-BOF steel producers entering Q1 FY 2026-27. International scrap prices remained broadly stable during the month.
According to the Ministry of Steel, the Indian steel industry remains well-positioned to sustain growth, supported by continued infrastructure investment and expanding manufacturing activity.
The ministry added that energy security, raw material cost volatility and global trade developments will remain key priorities for the sector in the coming year.
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