India’s steel ministry is advocating for an extension of import restrictions [1] on low-ash metallurgical coke, citing sufficient domestic supply as the primary reason. The move, however, has sparked concerns among steel manufacturers who argue that the curbs could hinder their expansion plans due to difficulties in sourcing preferred grades locally.
The restrictions, initially imposed in December, set country-specific quotas and capped imports at 1.4 million metric tons for the first half of the year. A source familiar with the matter stated that the ministry supports the extension to ensure domestic capacity is fully utilized. India currently has an annual met coke production capacity of 7 million metric tons, but only 3 million tons are being produced due to limited demand.
Major steel producers, including ArcelorMittal Nippon India and JSW Steel, have voiced opposition to the restrictions, warning that they could significantly impact their operations. The Ministry of Commerce is expected to make a final decision on the extension next month, but backing from the steel ministry is seen as a crucial factor in the deliberations.
Additionally, India has launched an anti-dumping investigation into met coke imports from Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, and Russia, following concerns raised by an industry body. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has urged steelmakers to prioritize domestic sourcing, reinforcing the government’s stance on reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
The import curbs come amid a broader effort to strengthen India’s steel industry and reduce dependency on overseas raw materials. However, with imports of low-ash met coke more than doubling in the past four years, steelmakers remain wary of the potential impact on production and growth.
Sources:
[1] India’s steel ministry backs extending import curbs on met coke, source says https://www.reuters.com/world/china/indias-steel-ministry-backs-extending-import-curbs-met-coke-source-says-2025-05-27/