New Delhi: In a bold move to fortify its steel sector, India has imposed safeguard duties of 11–12% on select steel imports for three years, targeting a surge in low-cost shipments primarily from China.
The decision, announced on Tuesday and published in the official gazette, aims to prevent “serious injury” to local manufacturers amid global trade tensions.
The tariffs, effective from April 21, 2025, start at 12% in the first year, dropping to 11.5% in the second, and 11% in the third. They apply to non-stainless steel products from China, Vietnam, and Nepal, while sparing imports from certain developing nations and specialty items like stainless steel.
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) recommended the measure after probing a “sudden, sharp, and significant” import spike, following a petition by the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association in August.
This follows a temporary 12% duty imposed in April for 200 days, which expired in November.
Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy hailed it as a “critical relief” for domestic producers, especially SMEs, facing pressure from substandard imports. “This ensures fair competition and safeguards jobs,” he said.
The move aligns with worldwide actions against Chinese steel dumping, including US tariffs under President Trump, and similar levies by South Korea and Vietnam. India’s steel industry, the world’s second-largest, produced over 140 million tonnes last year but grapples with rising imports that could erode market share.
Industry leaders welcomed the step, predicting stabilised prices and boosted investments.
As trade wars escalate, this could reshape global steel flows, benefiting Indian exporters.