Blurb
India’s steel industry maintained steady growth in May, supported by strong demand from infrastructure, construction and manufacturing.
New Delhi
India’s steel sector continued its upward momentum in May 2026, with crude steel production rising 2.9 per cent year-on-year to 14.21 million tonnes, reflecting sustained demand across key sectors of the economy.
According to data released by the Ministry of Steel, hot metal production increased by 2.0 per cent during the month, while pig iron output reached 0.77 million tonnes, registering a growth of 1.1 per cent compared to May last year.
Finished steel production recorded stronger growth, climbing 7.7 per cent year-on-year to 13.94 million tonnes. Domestic consumption also remained robust, reaching 14.33 million tonnes in May, an increase of 9.0 per cent over the corresponding month of the previous year. The growth was largely driven by continued activity in construction, infrastructure development and manufacturing industries.
For the April-May period of the current financial year, crude steel production stood at 28.04 million tonnes, up 2.7 per cent from 27.30 million tonnes produced during the same period in 2025. Hot metal production also rose by 2.7 per cent, while pig iron output increased marginally to 1.50 million tonnes.
Finished steel production during April-May reached 27.36 million tonnes, marking a 6.4 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year. Consumption matched production at 27.36 million tonnes, recording an 8.7 per cent rise, highlighting strong domestic demand.
Trade figures showed steel imports at 0.69 million tonnes and exports at 0.51 million tonnes in May. Imports surged 62.5 per cent year-on-year, while exports grew 29.9 per cent. During April-May, imports totalled 1.37 million tonnes and exports 0.98 million tonnes, making India a net steel importer during the period.
India’s total crude steelmaking capacity reached approximately 220 million tonnes per annum in FY2025-26, keeping the industry on course to achieve the National Steel Policy target of 300 million tonnes per annum by 2030. Capacity expansion plans gained momentum with SAIL approving the expansion of its Bhilai Steel Plant and JSW Steel beginning construction of its large integrated steel project at Paradip in Odisha.
The government also highlighted progress under the Green Steel Initiative, with 94 producers across 15 states receiving green steel certificates by the end of May.
