India's Steel Production and Exports Show Significant Growth in Early FY 2026-27

India's steel industry has reported impressive growth in production and exports during the first four months of FY 2026-27. Finished steel production increased by 4%, while consumption surged by 7.8%, driven by government infrastructure projects. Notably, steel exports rose by 35%, reflecting strong international demand. SAIL's financial performance also improved significantly, with a net profit increase of over 138%. The company is enhancing its capabilities in defense steel manufacturing and has launched a new Micro Pellet Plant aimed at sustainability. This article delves into the key statistics and developments in India's steel sector.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 6, 2026, 15:27 IST

Steel Production and Consumption Surge

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New Delhi, Aug 6: In the first four months of the current financial year, India produced 54.3 million tonnes of finished steel, marking a 4% increase from 52.2 million tonnes during the same period last year, as reported by the Ministry of Steel on Thursday.

During April to July, the consumption of finished steel rose significantly by 7.8%, reaching 55.9 million tonnes, compared to 51.9 million tonnes in the previous year. This surge is largely attributed to the heightened demand driven by major infrastructure projects initiated by the government in sectors such as highways, railways, and ports.

Additionally, India's steel exports experienced a remarkable 35% increase during this period, totaling 22,92,300 tonnes, up from 16,98,000 tonnes last year.

In terms of value, steel exports rose by 29.4%, amounting to Rs 18,105.4 crore, compared to Rs 13,996.2 crore in the same timeframe last year.

In June alone, steel exports soared by 38.1%, reaching 6,16,200 tonnes, compared to 4,46,200 tonnes in June of the previous year.

Crude steel production also saw a rise, with figures hitting 56.3 million tonnes from April to July, up from 54.9 million tonnes during the same period last year, reflecting a 2.6% growth.

India's total crude steelmaking capacity is currently at 222 million tonnes per annum, positioning the industry to meet the National Steel Policy's goal of 300 million tonnes per annum by 2030, according to official statements.

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) reported a robust performance in the first quarter of FY 2026-27, with net profits soaring over 138% year-on-year to Rs 1,636 crore. The company's operational revenue for the quarter reached Rs 26,246 crore, indicating a strong financial performance.

SAIL has also secured a Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) from the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory of DRDO, enabling the production of specialized steel grades for naval vessels, thereby enhancing India's indigenous capabilities in defense steel manufacturing.

Moreover, SAIL achieved a sustainability milestone with the launch of its first Micro Pellet Plant at the Rourkela Steel Plant in July 2026. This facility, with a capacity of 0.18 MTPA, transforms steelmaking waste into valuable micro pellets, contributing to waste reduction and improving raw material self-sufficiency through recycling.