India's steel output, consumption rise in April; prices recover across categories: Govt

New Delhi [India], May 6 : India's steel sector maintained its growth momentum in April 2026, with higher production and consumption supported by strong domestic demand across infrastructure and manufacturing, according to data released by the Ministry of Steel.

Crude steel production stood at 14.09 million tonnes in April 2026, registering a 5.8 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase from 13.31 million tonnes in April 2025. Finished steel production rose to 13.05 million tonnes, up 3.4 per cent YoY, while finished steel consumption reached 12.99 million tonnes, marking an 8.1 per cent growth, reflecting continued buoyancy in construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing end-use segments, the ministry noted.

Hot metal production also grew 5.4 per cent YoY, while pig iron output declined by 6 per cent to 0.69 million tonnes during the month.

The ministry stated that on the trade front, India remained a marginal net importer, with imports standing at 0.68 million tonnes and exports at 0.47 million tonnes, compared to April 2025 imports of 0.52 million tonnes and exports of 0.38 million tonnes, a growth of 30.8 per cent and 24.9 per cent was registered in imports & exports, respectively, in April 2026.

India's total steel capacity stood at around 220 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in FY 2025-26, progressing towards the National Steel Policy target of 300 MTPA by 2030, with companies such as SAIL, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, JSPL, and AMNS continuing capacity expansion.

Domestic steel prices rebounded across segments in April. TMT/Rebar prices increased about 2.6 per cent month-on-month and were up 3 per cent year-on-year, marking the first annual rise after months of weakness. Flat steel prices rose more sharply, with hot-rolled coil gaining around 6.3 per cent and GP sheet about 7.3 per cent over the previous month, indicating stronger demand, the ministry said.

Raw material prices remained firm, with domestic iron ore prices rising by about 10-11 per cent month-on-month, while international coking coal costs also edged higher, keeping input cost pressures elevated.

The ministry said the sector is well-positioned to sustain its growth trajectory supported by continued infrastructure investment and expanding manufacturing activity, while noting that energy security, raw material cost volatility, and global trade developments will remain key priorities going forward.

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