New Delhi, 06 May (H.S.):

India's steel sector maintained its growth momentum in April 2026, driven by robust domestic demand from infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.

According to data released by the Ministry of Steel on Wednesday, crude steel production stood at 14.09 million tonnes in April, marking a 5.8% year-on-year increase from 13.31 million tonnes in April 2025. Finished steel production rose to 13.05 million tonnes, reflecting a 3.4% annual growth, while finished steel consumption reached 12.99 million tonnes, up 8.1%.

The Ministry stated that this growth reflects sustained momentum in end-use sectors such as construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Hot metal production also increased 5.4% year-on-year, though pig iron production declined 6% to 0.69 million tonnes during the month.

On the trade front, India remained a marginal net importer, with imports at 0.68 million tonnes and exports at 0.47 million tonnes. Compared to April 2025 (imports 0.52 MT, exports 0.38 MT), both imports and exports rose by 30.8% and 24.9% respectively.

The Ministry noted that India's total steel capacity for FY 2025-26 stands at approximately 220 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), progressing towards the National Steel Policy target of 300 MTPA by 2030. Companies like SAIL, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, JSPL, and AMNS continue expanding their capacities.

According to the Ministry, domestic steel prices witnessed gains across all segments in April. TMT/rebar prices rose about 2.6% month-on-month and 3% year-on-year—the first positive annual gain after several months of softness.

Flat steel prices saw sharper increases, with hot-rolled coil prices up approximately 6.3% from the previous month and GP sheet prices rising 7.3%, signaling strong demand. Thus, India's steel sector sustained its growth trajectory in April 2026 amid robust domestic demand and steady industrial activity in infrastructure and manufacturing.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar