The Centre has permitted ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) to import an extra 71,500 metric tonnes of low ash metallurgical (LAM) coke from Poland, exceeding existing import restrictions. The decision came after the company warned that the curbs were disrupting its steel production, according to Moneycontrol.
The exemption highlights industry concerns over supply constraints affecting steel manufacturing, even as the government maintains import controls.
The joint venture of the global leading steel producer had previously appealed against the rejection of its import orders for 168,300 metric tons of metallurgical coke from Indonesia and Poland. According to the document, the government approved the import of 71,500 metric tons from Poland. Additionally, it agreed to the company’s request to reallocate an existing 88,000-metric-ton quota of met coke, originally intended for import from Russia, to Poland instead.
“The relief was given to AM/NS so that the plant remains functional. Hence, they were allowed to import as much quantity required to keep the plant running, to avoid throttling the production,” a source said.
According to the Delhi High Court website, a case filed by AM/NS India on March 5 has been disposed of. The company had approached the court challenging the government’s decision to deny the import of low-ash metallurgical coke (met coke). Met coke is an important raw material that plays the role of reducing agent and fuel in blast furnaces for steelmaking, converting iron ore into molten iron, making it essential for integrated steel plants.
As the report suggests, in January, India imposed a ban on unrestricted imports of met coke for the safeguarding of domestic producers. These restrictions are carried along till June 30.
The Hindu reported that AM/NS India’s top leadership wrote to a senior lawmaker raising concerns over the policy change and warning that its long-term implementation could negatively affect future investments and steel production in the country. According to court filings, the company had highlighted these issues in a February 13, 2025 letter, stating that restrictions on LAM Coke imports would disrupt their steelmaking operations. They also sought a review of their existing import quotas, including approval for 71,500 metric tonnes (MT) of LAM Coke already imported from Poland.
The restrictions had also pushed other companies, such as JSW Steel and Trafigura, to approach the Delhi High Court, arguing that their import orders for the key raw material, had been placed before the ban came into effect. They sought relief under Section 1.05 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), which permits parties to fulfill prior commitments made before new restrictions were imposed. However, as per the document, their pleas were rejected on March 28.
JSW Steel and Amba River Coke signed agreements in late November and early December 2024 to purchase 340,000 metric tonnes of LAM coke from a Hong Kong-based supplier. However, on 26 December 2024, the government imposed quantitative restrictions, leading the companies to seek an exemption under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). Their applications were rejected by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on February 6, reports money control.
Source: money control