Will try to convince finance ministry to raise steel import duties to 10-12%: HD Kumaraswamy

Union Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said he will try to convince the finance ministry to raise duties on steel imports to 10-12 per cent from the current 7.5 per cent.

The move aims to protect the domestic steel industry from a rise in cheaper imports from nations like China.

The minister expressed concerns over the manner in which China was dumping steel into India and said several players from the steel industry visited him in the last two months and  discussed the problems they were facing in the growth of the steel industry.

"The problem which you are facing from China for that I will try to convince... the finance ministry to look at (raising the duty on steel imports) from 7.5 per cent tax to 10-12 per cent tax," he said while speaking at the Fifth Steel Conclave organised by the Indian Steel Association.

The Indian steel industry had expressed concern over India becoming a net importer of steel in 2023-24, saying it is a "warning signal" for the country which strives to become Atmanirbhar.

"Because of China dumping steel, excess steel...Our steel industry is facing a lot of problems. They are suffering. Several steps they are requesting," Kumaraswamy said.

The minister told reporters that the industry had requested the steel ministry to take steps to check cheaper imports.

Dilip Oommen, the CEO of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India and Executive Vice President ArcelorMittal, said, "China produced close to 1.1 billion tonnes of steel in the last calendar year. So where is this excess steel going ? So, I request the honourable ministry and I  am sure he recognises this already, that we take steps to protect the Indian steel industry."

The steel minister also stressed on the need to remain vigilant against challenges such as the global demand slowdown, especially from the ramifications of a demand meltdown in China.

The steel ministry, he said, is committed to ensuring that the journey towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in steel remains undeterred. The Indian steel industry is on the brink of reaching new heights, he said.

"We have seen demand grow at double-digit rates over the last three years, and this year is no exception. At the Ministry of Steel, we are confident in the growth story of Indian steel. However, I understand the challenges that lie ahead," he said.

The minister further said that by investing in the latest technologies and optimising the processes, the carbon footprint can be reduced significantly.

"Hydrogen holds immense potential as a clean fuel for steel production. While there are challenges to overcome, we must invest in research and development to  accelerate its commercialisation," the minister added.