India's steel consumption surged despite global economic woes, but imports are up, pressuring local firms.

India's steel consumption rose 13.5% in the first half of 2024-25 despite a global slowdown, but domestic prices have fallen below import costs, hurting major steel firms like Tata and JSW. Imports surged 41% to 4.73 million tonnes, putting pressure on local producers. The Ministry of Steel aims for 300 million tonnes of capacity by 2030, needing a $120 billion investment, to avoid becoming a net importer. The Bureau of Indian Standards is ensuring quality steel production and imports.