India’s Iron Ore Imports Hit Six-Year High In 2025

05 Dec 2025 CW Team

Imports more than doubled to over 10 million tonnes in the first 10 months of 2025 compared with the same period last year, Lalit Ladkat, senior analyst at London-based CRU Group, told Reuters. Between January and October, JSW Steel — India’s largest steel producer by capacity — emerged as the country’s top importer, analysts said.

Average annual imports between 2019 and 2024 stood at 4.3 million tonnes. In 2025, demand outpaced domestic production, and shortages of higher-grade ore became a significant concern. Ladkat noted that delays in commencing operations at auctioned mines contributed to sluggish supply growth.

This contrasts with recent assurances from the Ministry of Steel, whose top civil servant last month dismissed concerns about domestic shortages.

Lower import prices, along with the logistical advantage for coastal steel plants such as JSW Steel’s Maharashtra unit, also boosted overseas shipments, analysts and officials said. India has been sourcing most of its imported ore from Brazil, Oman and Australia.

Brazilian miner Vale is preparing to meet India’s rising demand, anticipating that the country could double its steel production by the end of the decade, CEO Gustavo Pimenta told Reuters.

Heavy rainfall in Odisha — which accounts for nearly 55 per cent of India’s iron ore output — curbed production this year, commodities consultancy BigMint said. It expects imports to exceed 11–12 million tonnes in FY26 and remain elevated unless domestic output or captive sourcing improves.

India, the world’s second-largest crude steel producer, saw iron ore production rise to 289 million tonnes in FY25 from 277 million tonnes the previous year, government data showed. Earlier this year, the Government urged steelmakers to acquire iron ore mines overseas amid concerns over slow progress in greenfield mine development.

India’s iron ore imports have climbed to a six-year high as steelmakers increased overseas purchases to offset shortages of high-grade ore and benefit from softer global prices, according to analysts and trade officials. Imports more than doubled to over 10 million tonnes in the first 10 months of 2025 compared with the same period last year, Lalit Ladkat, senior analyst at London-based CRU Group, told Reuters. Between January and October, JSW Steel — India’s largest steel producer by capacity — emerged as the country’s top importer, analysts said. Average annual imports between 2019 and 2024 stood at 4.3 million tonnes. In 2025, demand outpaced domestic production, and shortages of higher-grade ore became a significant concern. Ladkat noted that delays in commencing operations at auctioned mines contributed to sluggish supply growth. This contrasts with recent assurances from the Ministry of Steel, whose top civil servant last month dismissed concerns about domestic shortages. Lower import prices, along with the logistical advantage for coastal steel plants such as JSW Steel’s Maharashtra unit, also boosted overseas shipments, analysts and officials said. India has been sourcing most of its imported ore from Brazil, Oman and Australia. Brazilian miner Vale is preparing to meet India’s rising demand, anticipating that the country could double its steel production by the end of the decade, CEO Gustavo Pimenta told Reuters. Heavy rainfall in Odisha — which accounts for nearly 55 per cent of India’s iron ore output — curbed production this year, commodities consultancy BigMint said. It expects imports to exceed 11–12 million tonnes in FY26 and remain elevated unless domestic output or captive sourcing improves. India, the world’s second-largest crude steel producer, saw iron ore production rise to 289 million tonnes in FY25 from 277 million tonnes the previous year, government data showed. Earlier this year, the Government urged steelmakers to acquire iron ore mines overseas amid concerns over slow progress in greenfield mine development.

Real Estate

02 Apr 2026

Bent Collective Unveils Sculptural Papillon Sofa

Bent Collective has introduced the Papillon Sofa, a sculptural seating piece that combines artistic design with everyday comfort. Defined by a fluid silhouette, the sofa features a gently curved backrest, asymmetrical form, rounded seating, a single rolled arm and sleek legs, creating a soft yet expressive presence for contemporary interiors. Upholstered in a soothing blue tone, the Papillon Sofa is designed to bring a sense of calm, movement and visual lightness to living spaces. Its organic form moves away from rigid lines, reflecting the brand’s focus on furniture that is both i..

Infrastructure Urban

02 Apr 2026

MHIEC Completes Relay Centre Project In Nagasaki

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (MHIEC) has completed construction of the Nanbu Relay Center in Minamishimabara City for the Ken’ou-Kennan Clean Authority in Nagasaki Prefecture. The project includes the development of the new facility and the operation of three relay centres, including the existing Tobu and Seibu sites, under a contract awarded in 2024. The initiative is aimed at enabling the efficient transfer of combustible waste from multiple municipalities to the Ken’ou-Kennan Clean Center in Isahaya City, which is scheduled to co..

Infrastructure Urban

02 Apr 2026

Kala Ghoda Boutique Redefines Compact Retail Design

Located in Kala Ghoda, Noir Éclat, an 80 sq ft jewellery boutique by Mint Leaf Design, showcases how compact retail spaces can deliver a high-impact experience. Designed as a ‘jewel box’, the boutique blends Parisian-inspired aesthetics with a monochrome palette of black and white, highlighted by fuchsia accents that add a distinctive visual identity. The design leverages vertical space to overcome size constraints, featuring sculptural wall-mounted busts arranged in grids that transform product displays into artistic installations. Carefully planned lighting enhances depth and creates a..