India’s steel sector maintained its growth momentum in May 2026, supported by strong domestic demand from infrastructure, construction and manufacturing sectors. Key production, consumption and trade indicators registered year-on-year growth, reflecting the resilience of the country’s steel industry.
Crude steel production reached 14.21 million tonnes in May 2026, an increase of 2.9% over May 2025. Hot metal production rose 2.0%, while pig iron output grew 1.1% to 0.77 million tonnes. Finished steel production climbed 7.7% to 13.94 million tonnes, and finished steel consumption increased 9.0% to 14.33 million tonnes.
During April–May 2026, crude steel production stood at 28.04 million tonnes, up 2.7% year-on-year. Finished steel production grew 6.4% to 27.36 million tonnes, while consumption rose 8.7%, underscoring sustained demand across end-use sectors.
On the trade front, steel imports reached 0.69 million tonnes in May, while exports stood at 0.51 million tonnes, registering growth of 62.5% and 29.9% respectively compared with May 2025. India remained a net importer during April–May 2026, with imports of 1.37 million tonnes exceeding exports of 0.98 million tonnes.
The industry also continued its capacity expansion drive. India’s crude steelmaking capacity has reached approximately 220 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), keeping it on course toward the 300 MTPA target under the National Steel Policy by 2030. Major developments include the expansion of the Bhilai Steel Plant by Steel Authority of India Limited and the commencement of construction of a 13.2 MTPA integrated steel plant at Paradip by JSW Steel.
The Ministry of Steel’s Green Steel Initiative also gained momentum, with green steel certificates issued to 94 producers across 15 states by the end of May 2026, covering products such as TMT bars, coils, plates, wire rods and pipes.
Despite robust demand, domestic steel prices softened marginally during the month, while rising iron ore, coking coal and scrap prices increased input cost pressures for producers. Nevertheless, continued infrastructure investment and expanding manufacturing activity are expected to support the sector’s growth trajectory in the coming months.