India’s steel sector continued its steady growth trajectory in April 2026, with year-on-year gains across key production and consumption indicators. The month reflected resilient domestic demand, supported by ongoing momentum in infrastructure and manufacturing activity.
Production and demand trends
Crude steel production stood at 14.09 million tonnes in April 2026, up 5.8% year-on-year from 13.31 million tonnes a year ago. Hot metal output rose 5.4% YoY, while pig iron production declined 6% YoY to 0.69 million tonnes.
Finished steel production grew 3.4% YoY to 13.05 million tonnes, while consumption rose a stronger 8.1% YoY to 12.99 million tonnes, indicating sustained demand across construction, infrastructure and manufacturing segments.
Trade dynamics
On the trade front, India remained a marginal net importer during the month. Imports stood at 0.68 million tonnes, while exports were at 0.47 million tonnes.
Compared to April 2025, imports rose 30.8% from 0.52 million tonnes, while exports increased 24.9% from 0.38 million tonnes, highlighting active trade flows amid evolving global demand conditions.
Capacity expansion gathers pace
India’s total steelmaking capacity reached around 220 MTPA in FY26, keeping the industry on track toward the National Steel Policy target of 300 MTPA by 2030.
Leading players such as SAIL, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, JSPL and AMNS continue to invest in capacity expansion. Notably, Tata Steel recently commissioned a ₹3,200 crore scrap-based electric arc furnace (EAF) green steel plant with a capacity of 0.75 MTPA in Ludhiana—marking a first for Punjab.
Green steel push gains traction
Under the Ministry of Steel’s Green Steel Initiative, the National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST) continues to anchor certification and monitoring.
As of March 31, 2026, green steel certificates have been issued to 90 producers across 15 states, covering products such as TMT bars, HR/CR coils, wire rods and pipes. A majority of certified products have achieved the highest 5-star rating, indicating strong adoption among secondary and mid-sized producers.
Steel prices extend recovery
Domestic steel prices strengthened further in April 2026 across categories. TMT/rebar prices rose around 2.6% month-on-month and 3% year-on-year—marking the first positive YoY trend after a prolonged soft phase.
Flat steel saw sharper gains, with hot rolled (HR) coil prices up approximately 6.3% MoM and galvanised plain (GP) sheet prices rising 7.3% MoM, reflecting improving demand conditions.
Raw material trends mixed
Raw material prices remained mixed but broadly firm. Domestic iron ore prices rose sharply, with NMDC lump and fines prices increasing around 10–11% month-on-month, supported by stronger steel demand.
Global iron ore prices remained largely stable, while international coking coal prices edged higher, continuing to exert cost pressure on integrated steelmakers. Meanwhile, global scrap prices remained broadly flat, offering some stability for electric arc furnace-based producers.