India may continue restricting imports of low-ash metallurgical coke beyond June 2025, as the steel ministry supports extending the current quantitative limits, Reuters reported, citing a source familiar with the internal discussions. The decision, if formalised, could reshape supply chains for major steelmakers who depend on overseas purchases.
Support builds for domestic sourcing push
According to the Reuters source, the ministry believes domestic producers are capable of meeting industry needs, and sees no immediate reason to lift the current restrictions. India’s installed capacity for low-ash met coke stands at around 7 million metric tons annually, though actual production hovers near 3 million tons due to weak demand. The ministry’s view is that greater reliance on local supply will help stimulate underused capacity.
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The Commerce Ministry is expected to deliver its decision on the extension next month. While the steel ministry had initially opposed restrictions when they were first proposed, its current backing gives renewed momentum to a policy that favours domestic sourcing over growing imports.
Policy impact draws criticism from industry
India first imposed the met coke import curbs in December 2024, introducing country-specific quotas and capping total imports at 1.4 million metric tons for the first half of 2025. Since then, leading steel producers such as ArcelorMittal Nippon India and JSW Steel have raised concerns over the policy’s impact.
In its March coverage, Reuters reported that ArcelorMittal Nippon India warned the government privately that the restrictions could disrupt steelmaking and delay expansion plans. The industry argues that not all grades of met coke used in advanced steel production are available domestically, making imports necessary to maintain quality and consistency.
Imports of low-ash met coke into India have more than doubled over the past four years, with key suppliers including China, Japan, Indonesia, Poland, and Switzerland.
Anti-dumping investigation intensifies pressure on imports
In a separate trade development, India has initiated an anti-dumping probe targeting met coke shipments from Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, and Russia. The investigation follows a formal request from an industry body that alleges unfair pricing practices by foreign exporters.
The government’s recent stance aligns with calls from Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who has urged steelmakers to increase their use of domestically produced inputs.
If the import curbs are extended, it could represent a long-term shift toward more protectionist sourcing strategies in the steel sector—potentially limiting flexibility for large producers while strengthening domestic coke manufacturers.
