India Imposes Three-Year Tariff on Steel Products; Imports From China to Be Hit

India has imposed a safeguard import duty of 11–12 per cent on select steel products for a period of three years, according to an order issued by the finance ministry, in a move aimed at curbing the influx of low-priced steel, particularly from China.

As per the notification published in the official government gazette, the duty will be fixed at 12 per cent in the first year. It will be reduced to 11.5 per cent in the second year and further lowered to 11 per cent in the third year.

Why India imposed the duty

The move comes amid a surge in cheap steel imports from China, raising concerns over dumping and intensifying pressure on domestic steelmakers. The government said a “recent, sudden, sharp and significant increase” in steel imports has caused — and threatens to cause — serious injury to local producers.

“This has necessitated the imposition of provisional safeguard duty on imports of the subject goods into India,” the order stated.

The decision exempts imports from certain developing countries. However, supplies from China, Vietnam and Nepal will attract the duty. Specialised steel products, including stainless steel, have also been excluded from the levy.

Earlier in April, the government had imposed an interim safeguard duty of 12 per cent for 200 days.

Safeguard duty structure

Based on the recommendations of the Director General of Trade Remedies, the Centre has approved the following safeguard duty rates on specified steel imports:

• 12 per cent ad valorem for imports from April 21, 2025, to April 20, 2026

• 11.5 per cent ad valorem for imports from April 21, 2026, to April 20, 2027

• 11 per cent ad valorem for imports from April 21, 2027, to April 20, 2028

The measure is intended to provide temporary relief to domestic producers while allowing a gradual adjustment to import competition.