The Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, has welcomed the government’s decision to impose a 12% safeguard duty on the import of certain non-alloy and alloy steel flat products. This move is designed to shield domestic steel manufacturers from the adverse effects of a surge in steel imports, ensuring fair competition within the market.

Minister Kumaraswamy stressed that the decision would provide essential relief to domestic producers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who have been under significant pressure due to the influx of imports. "This safeguard duty will help stabilise the market and restore confidence within the domestic industry," he remarked.

The Minister also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his decisive leadership and ongoing support for strengthening key sectors under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Kumaraswamy reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure that the Indian steel sector remains resilient, self-reliant, and competitive on a global scale.