The Indian steel industry has raised alarm bells over the country’s projected shift to becoming a net importer of steel by 2023-24. According to the Joint Plant Committee of the steel ministry, India witnessed a significant increase in imports of finished steel, reaching 8.319 million tonnes, a 38% surge from the previous fiscal year. This surge in imports, particularly from China, poses a threat to India’s goal of self-reliance, referred to as Atmanirbhar. Industry experts and bodies have called for immediate action to address the influx of predatory imports. Alok Sahay, Secretary General of the Indian Steel Association, has emphasized the need to curb import surges and remove the lesser duty rule, which disadvantages Indian steel mills. Ranjan Dhar, Chief Marketing Officer of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel, highlighted the necessity of restricting steel imports to protect investments and ensure robust GDP growth. Anubhav Kathuria, Director of Synergy Steels, stressed the importance of enhancing the cost competitiveness of products, especially in the context of rising stainless steel imports from countries like China and Indonesia. Industry representatives have also urged the government to review free trade agreements as a measure to control imports. India’s National Steel Policy aims to increase annual steel production capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030, primarily to meet domestic demand.