Stainless Steel News Today

India's Steel Secretary stressed AI and automation for steel sector competitiveness. Capacity targets 300 MT by 2030-31, 400 MT by 2035-36, with consumption doubling to 152 MT by 2024-25, driven by infrastructure growth.

Over 10 Indian steel companies plan to raise ₹5,000-7,000 crore via IPOs in 8-10 months, driven by surging demand from infrastructure, renewables, and auto sectors. Funds will fuel capacity expansion and strengthen balance sheets.

Global green steel investments slowed in 2025, new projects dropping from 15 (2021) to 2. EU projects declined due to high energy costs. India and China are ramping up pilots, with JSW Steel, SAIL, Tata Steel, and ArcelorMittal India advancing.

India targets 300 MT steel by 2030, but high emissions (2.6 tons CO2/ton) risk global competitiveness due to CBAM. Decarbonization via scrap, hydrogen, and renewables is vital for survival and growth in a carbon-centric trade regime.

Stainless steel prices firmed following mill hikes and rising nickel costs. The 300 series remains supported, while 200 series demand strengthens due to limited imports. The 400 series shows gradual improvement. Availability constraints persist in select sizes, and overall sentiment stays positive with expectations of further price increases in coming weeks.

Structural steel channels remain firm as improved February bookings and controlled mill dispatches support prices. Secondary markets show selective tightness in small sections while infrastructure and fabrication demand stay healthy. Domestic consumption continues to lead the market, with buyers advised staggered or advance booking amid an emerging upward price bias.

India's 300 mtpa steel goal by 2030 hinges on green hydrogen to cut 90% imported coal reliance. Despite $4-12/kg costs and $297-304 billion investment, India targets 5 mtpa green hydrogen by 2030 for steel.

India's coking coal imports hit 5.9 mnt in Jan 2026, up 5.4% m-o-m, despite high global prices ($250/t). Australia led suppliers, while JSW Steel and Tata Steel were top importers. Steel prices also rose significantly.

Visakhapatnam Steel Plant reported a ₹54 crore profit in January, ending an 18-month loss. Production surged to 19,401 tonnes/day, with 94% capacity utilization, aided by ₹11,440 crore central and state financial support.

India's steel sector faces a severe scrap shortage, threatening its 300 MT by 2030 growth and net-zero by 2070 goals. Imports surged 40.4% to 11.76 MT in 2023. Domestic collection issues hinder green steel transition and competitiveness.