India is set to engage in broader consultations with steel companies regarding the proposed import curbs on low ash metallurgical coke (met coke), a key raw material in steel production. This follows an April proposal from the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) to impose a country-specific import quota, limiting imports to 2.85 million metric tons annually for one year.
The initiative aims to protect local met coke producers, whose imports have surged by over 61% in the past four years. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has instructed the DGTR to gather opinions from stakeholders, including steel mills and domestic producers, although no timeline for the consultations has been established.
Major steelmakers, including JSW Steel and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel, have expressed opposition to the proposed restrictions, arguing that they could hinder capacity expansion. The Indian Steel Association has also petitioned for a relaxation of the import limits, citing potential negative impacts on domestic output.
In addition to the import quota, the DGTR is considering implementing a minimum import price for met coke to further regulate the market.