India, the world’s second largest crude steel producer after China, is expected to import approximately 6 million mt of metallurgical coke in the fiscal year that began in April. This represents a %32 year on year increase, with imports expected to come mainly from Indonesia and Poland.
Steelmakers have opposed import restrictions for more than a year, arguing that domestic production is insufficient to meet current demand. Although India’s Ministry of Steel has also supported the removal of the antidumping duty, the government imposed a five year antidumping duty on metallurgical coke imports in July.
Indonesia has emerged as a leading supplier of metallurgical coke to India, with imports from the country reaching approximately 2.1 million mt so far this year, an increase of %165 year on year. By comparison, India’s domestic coke production increased by only around %6.
Pig iron exports support metallurgical coke imports
Pig iron producers in India are importing large volumes of metallurgical coke because imported coke can be exempt from import duties when it is used to produce pig iron for export.
This duty exemption makes imported metallurgical coke more competitive than domestically produced material.
Meanwhile, demand from the US for Indian pig iron is reportedly strong this year and could reach twice the 2025 level. India is also said to be gaining market share from Ukraine due to its lower prices.
Source: Reuters
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