Govt imposes 12pct safeguard tariffs on flat steel imports

India has imposed a 12pct safeguard tariff on certain flat steel imports in a bid to curb a surge in shipments and protect domestic producers, according to a Ministry of Finance notification. The duty, effective immediately, will remain in place for 200 days.

Steel and Heavy Industries Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy welcomed the move, calling it a timely step to shield local manufacturers from unfair import pressures and maintain a level playing field.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) had earlier recommended the provisional duty, citing a need to prevent serious injury to the domestic steel sector. The decision follows a December petition from the Indian Steel Association, representing key players such as ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AMNS), JSW Steel, Jindal Steel and Power, Bhushan Power & Steel, and the Steel Authority of India, raising concerns over surging imports.

The DGTR's probe focused on products like HR coils, sheets, and plates; CR coils and sheets; and coated or pre-painted steel. Excluded categories include CRGO/CRNO, electro-galvanized, tinplate, and stainless steel. The affected items fall under HS codes 7208, 7209, 7210, 7211, 7212, 7225, and 7226.