NAVIGATING STEEL TRADE DISRUPTIONS – INDIA’S RESPONSE TO GLOBAL TRADE SHIFTS

The global steel trade is once again facing turbulence, this time due to fresh tariffs imposed by the United States under the administration of Donald Trump. However, while these duties are expected to shake up global steel flows, their direct impact on India may remain limited. Meanwhile, the real challenge for Indian steel producers comes from a surge in imports from China, Korea, and Vietnam, which could soon prompt India to impose safeguard duties to protect its domestic industry.

Trump’s Tariffs: Limited Impact on India
The U.S. has long been a challenging export market for Indian steel due to extensive anti-dumping (ADD) and countervailing duties (CVD) imposed over the years. With more than 30 trade remedial measures already in place—some lasting over three decades—Indian carbon steel exports to the U.S. have been minuscule. In light of this, the latest round of tariffs is unlikely to cause significant additional harm to Indian steelmakers.

Instead, the biggest impact of the U.S. duties will likely be felt by its top three suppliers—Canada, Mexico, and China—who together account for the bulk of American steel imports. The resulting trade diversion from these countries will likely push surplus steel into alternative markets, including India, exacerbating existing concerns of oversupply and price suppression.

India’s Looming Safeguard Duties
While U.S. tariffs may not directly disrupt Indian exports, the secondary effects could be severe. A glut of global steel, displaced by trade restrictions, is already intensifying competition in India’s domestic market. Imports from China, Korea, and Vietnam have surged in recent months, leading to growing concerns about market distortions caused by unfair pricing and subsidized exports.

Recognizing this threat, India’s steel minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has hinted at imminent safeguard measures to curb excessive imports. Reports suggest that the government is considering imposing safeguard duties in the range of 15-25% within the next six months. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has already launched an investigation into flat steel imports, extending deadlines for industry responses and data submissions. If the duties are implemented, they could remain in effect for up to two years, providing temporary relief to Indian producers.

Industry’s Call for Action
The Indian Steel Association (ISA) has expressed strong concerns over the U.S. tariffs, arguing that they will indirectly hurt India by flooding its market with surplus steel from displaced exporters. ISA President Naveen Jindal has called for urgent diplomatic intervention to address longstanding trade barriers and secure exemptions from restrictive measures.

While industry leaders welcome the prospect of safeguard duties, they also stress that short-term protection must be complemented by long-term policy measures, including infrastructure investments, incentives for domestic manufacturing, and stronger enforcement of anti-dumping regulations.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Protection with Growth
India’s steel sector stands at a crossroads. While protectionist measures like safeguard duties can offer temporary relief, they are not a long-term solution. The government must strike a delicate balance—shielding domestic producers from unfair competition while ensuring that steel-consuming industries, such as construction and automotive, do not suffer from inflated input costs.

As global trade dynamics shift, India’s steel industry must remain agile, focusing on innovation, efficiency, and new export markets. With strategic planning, robust policy measures, and diplomatic engagement, India can navigate this challenging period and reinforce its position as a leading global steel producer.

Indian Steel Industry - Nitin Gadkari