Key Highlights:

• A detailed analysis of the top 10 destinations for Indian steel imports during 2024-25.

• India imported $22.25 million worth of steel in 2024-25.

• The top 3 suppliers of steel exports to India are the United Arab Emirates, South Korea and Singapore.
  

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Steel - it's not just any ordinary metal. In fact, it’s a metal that acts as a silent backbone for cities across the globe. When you look at the high rise, skyscrapers of Dubai or Indian flyovers, or even the tall factory gates, India imports a major portion of steel from around the globe to support its industrial and infrastructure needs. Curious to know more about where all this still comes from? Read on to find out about the top 10 destinations for Indian steel imports.

Top 10 Destinations For Indian Steel Import

Country	Value (USD)
United Arab Emirates	$2.92B
South Korea	$2.45B
Singapore	$2.26B
Japan	$1.62B
Hong Kong	$1.20B
China	$1.04B
United States	$852.64M
Germany	$623.52M
United Kingdom	$489.91M
Malaysia	$333.06M

United Arab Emirates

Topping the list of the top destinations for Indian steel imports is the United Arab Emirates. Accounting for over $2.92 billion worth of steel. Sent to India, the United Arab Emirates is more than just deserts and skyscrapers.

What makes this trade bilateral relationship so strong is proximity. Being at the centre of the globe, the UAE supplies India with every thing, steel related, from nuts and bolts to high-quality sheets, shipped through logistical powerhouses like the Jebel Ali port.

South Korea

With South Korea taking the second spot on India’s steel import charts, its steel exports to India accounted for $2.45 billion in 2024-25. Plus, India’s steel imports from South Korea are far from being ordinary. Although we might not think of it, the small nation is regarded for its advanced technological capacity, and known to produce some of the finest quality of steel there is. From construction elements like nuts, bolts and screws to premium-quality steel sheets, South Korea is a key supplier of steel for India to run its manufacturing industries.

Singapore

When speaking about which steel export countries supply to India, it’s hard to miss Singapore from the list. In fact, who would’ve thought that a small island nation iconic to the Marina Bay would be a pivotal supplier of steel that too from all commodities? Surprisingly, the nation exported $2.26 billion worth of steel to India during 2024-25.

Japan

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Japan? Is it cherry blossoms, ramen or anime series? While all of these characterize Japan, the nation is also known for its steel exports to India. Accounting for $1.62 billion worth of exports to India in 2024-25, Japanese steel is known for its durability, strength and precision. Fun fact, Japanese-style katana knives are quite the favourite in Indian kitchens! All in all, Japan has indeed set its reputation as a strong steel supplier that doesn’t just adhere to standards, but sets them.

Hong Kong

Another Southeast nation that exports steel to India is Hong Kong, with its steel exports adding to $1.20 billion in 2024-25. However, what sets this country apart from other steel exporters to India is that it’s a re-export hub. In other words, while it doesn’t export its own steel, the nation is home to some of the finest quality of steel from other countries shipped to India. With this in play, Hong Kong’s steel exports to India seems to be fast, efficient and agile, especially since time is of the essence in global trade.

China

Following right behind is China. Despite the complicated trade relations between India and China, China ranks as the sixth largest exporter of steel to India, with exports accounting for $1.04 billion worth of steel.

From specialised alloys, electrical steel to hot rolled coils of steel, China is a significant supplier to support India’s industrial needs, thanks to its premium quality and cost effectiveness.

United States

Another country that significantly exports steel to India is the United States. With its steel exports to India accounting for $852.64 million in 2024-25, American steel is high-grade, durable, making it a favourite to be used for Indian aerospace, energy and defence industries, where safety and quality are of utmost importance.

Germany

India imports steel from nations across the globe, and the European continent hasn’t been untouched to say. Particularly from Germany, India imported $623.52 million worth of steel to be used in its auto parts, heavy machines and other industrial equipment.

United Kingdom

The British love their teas. But, they also love to export steel to India. With a rich colonial history among both nations, the United Kingdom exported $489.91 million worth of steel in 2024-25 to India, for the nation to build its railways, bridges and other transportation equipment.

Malaysia

Lastly, our list of top countries for steel imports of India would be incomplete without Malaysia. Even though the steel export numbers are quite less than the other nations, $333.06 million specifically, Malaysia still makes it to the top, thanks to reliability and dependency in the steel industry across the globe.

The Way Forward

All in all, India does make its own steel, but does import an equivalent amount from other parts of the globe to meet the growing demand. From premium quality alloys to particular components, Indian steel imports is a collection of unique steel components from around the world, and its global steel partnerships are indeed a strong pillar in the making.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where does India import steel from?
Import-export data indicates that India imports quite a bit of steel from the UAE, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, the USA, and many more countries across the globe.

2. Did India impose a 12% import duty on steel imports?
As per the latest foreign trade news, India imposed a 12% import duty on steel, especially on steel plates and hot rolled coils to protect its steel manufacturers.

3. Who is the largest exporter of steel in the world?
The largest steel exporter is China, followed by Germany, Japan and South Korea.

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