India’s Steel Consumption to Grow 9-10% in FY25: ICRA

13 Sep 2024 CW Team

India's domestic steel consumption is projected to rise by 9-10% in FY2025, according to a report by ICRA. The first quarter of FY2025 saw a 15% year-on-year growth in demand, although a slowdown is anticipated in the current quarter due to monsoon impacts. ICRA forecasts that steel sector capacity utilization will reach a decade-high of 88%, despite the addition of 15.6 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of new capacity this year.

Between FY2021 and FY2024, India’s steel industry expanded rapidly, adding 26.3 mtpa of capacity. An additional 27.5 mtpa is expected between FY2025 and FY2027, driven by growing demand and increased imports. India’s finished steel imports rose by 35.4% in Q1 FY2025, continuing last year’s trend.

Despite rising imports, steelmakers are benefiting from lower raw material costs, with Australian coking coal prices down 45% and NMDC reducing iron ore prices by 18%. These reductions are expected to support profitability, though temporary margin contractions may occur in Q2 FY2025.

Building Material

15 Oct 2025

Centre Plans Easier Green Clearances for New Airports

The central government is preparing to streamline environmental clearance procedures for airport projects to accelerate infrastructure development across the country. According to officials, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is working with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to establish a single-window mechanism for faster approval of greenfield and brownfield airports. The proposal seeks to reduce the time required for obtaining environmental clearance by simplifying inter-ministerial coordination and standardising assessment parameters. The move is part of ..

Beer Makers Urge Import Relaxation Amid Aluminium Can Shortage

India’s domestic beer manufacturers have urged the government to relax import rules and cut duties on aluminium cans as the industry faces a severe shortage of packaging material. The shortage, driven by rising demand and limited local supply, has disrupted production schedules for several breweries. Industry representatives have written to the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Finance, seeking temporary relief through faster import approvals and reduced customs duties. They warn that the situation could impact the availability of beer across key markets during the festive season. A..

India Surpasses Japan as World’s Third-Largest Auto Market

India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s third-largest automobile market, marking a major milestone for the country’s manufacturing and mobility sector. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, credited the achievement to India’s growing production capacity, rising domestic demand, and sustained policy support for localisation and innovation. The country’s vehicle sales and manufacturing output have surged in recent years, positioning it just behind China and the United States. According to industry estimates, India’s automobile sector supports over 3..