India will monitor imports of Chinese steel before introducing new restrictions

In May, the country once again became a net importer of steel products

India will continue to monitor steel imports for at least another two months before considering whether further measures are needed to restrict the flow of supplies, mainly from China. This is according to Reuters, citing sources.

In May this year, the country once again became a net importer of steel products. Imports of rolled steel from abroad during the period reached 0.69 million tonnes (+62.5% year-on-year), exceeding the average for the past six months, according to a government report. Meanwhile, exports of rolled steel from India in May totalled 0.5 million tonnes.

As one source noted, the authorities intend to monitor developments for at least two months. According to an insider, no decision has yet been taken on what form the protective measures will take – whether anti-dumping duties or something else.

Last December, New Delhi introduced an import tariff on certain products for a period of three years to limit cheap supplies from China.

In April, Chinese rolled steel exports to India more than doubled, reaching their highest level in at least two years. This has raised concerns among local steel producers that the introduction of import tariffs is insufficient to protect them.

It should be noted that in the 2025/2026 financial year (ending 31 March), India increased its rolled steel exports by 36 per cent year-on-year to 6.6 million tonnes. The increase in shipments was driven by strong demand from Europe in the second half of 2025, as buyers stockpiled ahead of changes to the bloc’s trade policy measures. Italy was the largest export market for Indian steelmakers during the period, followed by Vietnam.