Industry Odisha Bureau, Sep 15: India’s met coke imports are headed for a record this fiscal year. This comes despite an anti dumping levy imposed in July.
Domestic shortages and robust demand from pig iron producers are driving the surge. Industry executives shared these details on condition of anonymity.
India is the world’s second largest crude steel producer after China. The country may import nearly 6 million tonnes of met coke in FY27. That marks a 32% rise over last year.
Indonesia and Poland remain the top supplying nations. Steelmakers have opposed import curbs for over a year. They argue local output cannot meet rising demand.
The Steel Ministry had earlier backed industry demands. It sought withdrawal of the anti dumping duty on met coke. The government still imposed a five year duty in July.
Met coke is a key input for pig iron production. Pig iron, in turn, feeds India’s steel manufacturing chain.
Indonesia’s share jumps sharply
Indonesia’s contribution to India’s met coke imports rose sharply this year. Shipments touched 2.1 million tonnes, up 165% year on year. Domestic coke output grew just 6%, trailing overall demand.
Pig iron exports fuel coke imports
Producers importing met coke can skip duties when exporting pig iron. This exemption makes imported coke more attractive than local supply.
US demand for Indian pig iron has surged this year. Volumes could double compared to 2025 levels, executives said. Indian pig iron has also gained ground over Ukrainian supply. Lower pricing remains the key advantage, they added.
Indian pig iron currently costs about $50 per tonne less. The US imports 4-5 million tonnes annually. Brazil, Ukraine and India are its primary suppliers.
Coking coal costs push up prices
Met coke prices climbed 24% year on year in August. Rates touched ₹35,850 per tonne, according to BigMint data.
Rising coking coal costs are driving the price increase. Industry expert Monica Bachchan Duyyuri highlighted this trend. She heads Metalogic PMS, a mining intelligence firm. Prices may rise another 3-4% this week, she noted.
Steel prices are also expected to climb further. Industry sources anticipate continued upward pressure in coming weeks.
