According to a report by ICRA, India’s domestic steel consumption is expected to grow by 9-10% in FY2025. The first quarter of FY2025 saw a 15% YoY growth in demand, though a slowdown is expected in the current quarter due to the impact of the monsoon. ICRA predicts that the steel sector’s capacity utilisation will touch a decadal high of 88% despite the addition of 15.6 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of new capacity this year.
Between FY2021 and FY2024, the Indian steel industry expanded rapidly, with a capacity addition of 26.3 mtpa. An additional 27.5 mtpa is expected between FY2025 and FY2027, driven by growing demand and increased imports. Finished steel imports from India increased by 35.4% in Q1 FY2025, continuing the trend of the previous year.
Despite rising imports, steelmakers are benefiting from lower raw material costs, with Australian coking coal prices down 45% and NMDC cutting iron ore prices by 18%. These cuts are expected to support profitability, although there may be temporary margin compression in Q2 FY2025.
599
1999
1250
2000
4469
8899
6499
11400
9859
15774
529
800
649
1170
29923
59799
10957
0
7019
11231
1485
2300
9623
19199
699
1299
199
299