India imposes steel tariffs of 11-12% over three years amid sharp rise in Chinese imports

India took decisive action Tuesday to protect its steel sector, imposing import duties of 11 to 12 percent on some steel products for three years, as shipments from China continue to flood the market. The tiered duty, starting at 12 percent and gradually decreasing, signals a longer-term defense after months of temporary safeguards.

The levy will be set at 12 percent in the first year, reduced to 11.5 percent in the second year and further reduced to 11 percent in the third year. The move comes as India, the world’s second-largest crude steel producer, grapples with a surge in cheap imports from China, intensifying anti-dumping concerns and putting pressure on domestic producers.

Published in the Official Government Journal, the measure excludes imports from certain developing countries. However, China, Vietnam and Nepal will be subject to this duty. Special steel products, including stainless steel, have been excluded from its scope.

The Commerce Ministry has repeatedly stated that it does not want the domestic steel industry to be harmed by cheap imports and substandard products. Responding to these concerns, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies recommended the three-year duty after finding a “recent, sudden, sharp and significant increase in imports… causing and threatening to cause serious injury to the domestic industry,” the order said.

This decision follows a previous interim measure. In April 2025, the government imposed a temporary 12% tariff for 200 days on all steel imports from foreign countries. That warranty expired in November 2025, reigniting industry calls for longer protection.

Industry bodies had flagged the risk well before the new tax. In August 2025, the Stainless Steel Development Association of India filed a petition with the DGTR, urging the government to impose anti-dumping duties on cheap steel imports that were undercutting local manufacturers.

India’s action also reflects broader global trade tensions over Chinese steel exports. After Donald Trump imposed tariffs on imported steel, Chinese shipments were diverted to other markets. Several countries have since strengthened their trade defenses, with South Korea and Vietnam earlier this year imposing anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel products to counter what governments describe as market-distorting low-cost exports.

Title options

1. Steel imports face tariffs of 11-12% as India tries to ease price pressure from China.

2. Three-year steel tariff unveiled as India strengthens shield against cheap Chinese imports

3. India implements graduated steel tariffs to curb surge in low-cost Chinese shipments

4. Tariffs of 11-12% on steel imports reflect India’s longer fight against dumping pressures

5. After temporary restrictions, India imposes three-year duties on steel of 11-12% amid a sharp rise in Chinese imports.