Centre imposes 12% safeguard duty to shield Indian steel sector
India has imposed a 12% duty, also called safeguard, on the import of non-alloy and alloy steel flat products, specifically targeting shipments from China and Vietnam. The duty will be in effect for 200 days, unless amended or revoked. The duty will include imports of products like hot-rolled coils, cold-rolled sheets, metallic-coated steel and colour-coated coils.
The Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, Mr H. D. Kumaraswamy, welcomed the decision, describing it as a timely and necessary step to protect domestic steel manufacturers from the adverse impact of import surges and to ensure fair competition in the market.
“This move will provide critical relief to domestic producers, especially small and medium-scale enterprises, who have faced immense pressure from rising imports. The safeguard duty will help restore market stability and reinforce the confidence of the domestic industry,” he said.
He reiterated that the Ministry remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the Indian steel sector remains resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive.
The steel sector has been reeling from the influx of low-cost imports. India was a net importer of finished steel for a second straight year in 2024-25, with shipments reaching a nine-year high of 9.5 million metric tons, according to provisional government data, as per a report.
Source: Exim News Service: New Delhi, April 22