Indian steelmakers are growing increasingly concerned about a sharp rise in rolled steel imports from China, with Chinese shipments to India more than doubling in a single month, creating fresh challenges for the domestic industry.

Preliminary government data shows China exported around 232,000 tonnes of rolled steel to India in the period, despite import duties imposed on certain steel products for a three-year period, a measure that had initially helped slow imports. Hot-rolled coils made up the largest share, followed by stainless steel products. While hot-rolled coils fall under the duty framework, stainless steel remains exempt, allowing significant volumes to continue entering the market.

The influx of low-cost Chinese stainless steel is squeezing domestic manufacturers. Tarun Khulbe, CEO of Jindal Stainless, noted that these imports are becoming a major concern, adding that some shipments are being routed through countries such as Vietnam, which benefits from a free trade agreement with India under ASEAN arrangements. Vietnam has emerged among the top five rolled steel suppliers to India, reflecting shifting procurement patterns in the region.

Chinese steel continues to attract buyers on price, hot-rolled steel from China is reportedly $11–37 per tonne cheaper than domestically produced equivalents. Industry sources also noted that some hot-rolled coil cargoes originally destined for Middle Eastern markets were redirected to India due to ongoing regional conflict.

Forecasts suggest steel imports from China could rise further in coming months, continuing to influence procurement strategies for manufacturers, distributors and end users. Overall, India imported around 0.7 million tonnes of rolled steel during the period, a 30.8 per cent year-on-year increase.