India’s steel exports, including stainless steel, rose by 11.7% year-on-year to 725.54 thousand tons in April 2025, according to BigMint. However, compared to March, volumes declined by 2.7%.
The country reduced steel shipments to the United States and Saudi Arabia but significantly increased exports to the EU, reaching a 13-month high of over 358 thousand tons, marking a 33% month-on-month rise. Flat product exports totaled 556.5 thousand tons, up 1% from the previous month, the highest since March 2024. Meanwhile, semi-finished steel shipments surged 30% to 78.64 thousand tons, whereas long product exports dropped 32% to 90.4 thousand tons.
One key driver of this trend was the renewal of the EU import quota at the start of the quarter, encouraging Indian producers to divert shipments away from the Middle East due to weaker demand. Additionally, US steel tariffs constrained exports to America, though some buyers increased orders earlier in the year in anticipation of the duties.
China’s aggressive pricing strategy remains a dominant force in the global steel market. India’s recent 12% safeguard duty on certain steel imports, effective for 200 days from April 21, aims to protect domestic producers and maintain fair competition.
