The Indian government has introduced a 12 percent provisional duty on certain flat steel imports for a period of 200 days, effective from 21 April. The measure, recommended by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), aims to protect the domestic steel industry from low-priced imports. The duty applies to products under specific HS codes and is enforced only if import prices fall below designated thresholds.

Domestic steelmakers had sought protection against increasing imports from China and other Asian suppliers, which had driven hot-rolled coil prices to multi-year lows in 2024. Following a safeguard investigation initiated in December, the duty is seen as a step to restore fair competition and support the long-term sustainability of India's steel sector.

Industry reactions are mixed, with expectations of price hikes by steelmakers. While imports have surged in the past fiscal year, China and Vietnam will be primarily affected by the new duties, alongside suppliers from free-trade agreement countries such as South Korea and Japan. The provisional measure reflects India's broader efforts to ensure a self-reliant and globally competitive steel industry.