Mild Steel News Today

India's coking coal imports rose nearly 10% in 2025 to 62.6 million tonnes, with combined metallurgical coal at 83.2 million tonnes. This fuels steel expansion for infrastructure, highlighting raw material gaps and impacting supply chains and climate.

India's coking coal imports rose 10% to 62.6 mnt in CY'25, total met coal 83.1 mnt, driven by 10% higher steel output. Australia led coking coal; Russia dominated PCI. Prices may remain higher in CY'26.

India's auto sector faces a net-zero hurdle as manufacturing emissions are projected to double to 64 million tonnes by 2050, with 83% from Scope 3. Decarbonization requires 100% renewable energy and green materials, potentially raising vehicle prices by 2-5%.

China's main finished steel product inventories fell 0.3% to 7.09 million mt by mid-January. HRC and CRC stocks decreased by 4.2% and 3.7%, respectively, while steel plate, wire rod, and rebar inventories rose.

China's PP industry anticipates an additional 22 million t/y capacity from 2026-2030. Despite a slower growth rate, supply pressure will persist as downstream capacity lags, impacting the market.

Jindal has announced a price increase effective 22 January 2026 across multiple stainless steel grades. JT CR and 430 HR CR prices have been raised by ₹1.5/kg each, while 304 HR CR has seen a hike of ₹2.5/kg. 316 HR CR recorded the highest increase at ₹4/kg. Additionally, prices of 204 CU have increased by ₹2/kg, and 400 series grades have been revised upward by ₹1/kg.

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu prioritizes 'speed of doing business' to attract investments. Key projects include a 1-gigawatt data centre, Rs 96,000 crore petrochemical complex, Rs 1.35 lakh crore steel plant, and a USD 12 billion renewable energy partnership, securing UAE investment.

SAIL and GAIL signed a 5-year natural gas supply pact, effective November 2027, for cleaner steel production at SAIL's Burnpur plant. This supports expansion, improves efficiency, and reduces carbon emissions, aligning with India's green manufacturing goals.

Indian steelmakers face domestic iron ore supply challenges despite abundant reserves. Degrading quality, auction issues, and high premiums deter access, as discussed at a Jan. 16 conference.

Jindal Stainless's exports fell to 5.4% of sales in Q3 due to US/Europe policy uncertainty, including CBAM. Customers' indecision, despite JSL's readiness, impacts orders, especially in key markets accounting for 75% of exports.