Full Breakdown
India’s Steel Ministry Seeks Removal of Anti-Dumping Duties on Low-Ash Metallurgical Coke
5/23/2026, 12:31:44 PM
Request to Withdraw Anti-Dumping Duties
On May 18 2026 the Ministry of Steel sent a memorandum to the Finance Ministry asking that anti-dumping duties (ADD) on low-ash metallurgical coke be withdrawn. The duties, imposed in December 2025 for six months and effective from January 2026, target imports from China, Indonesia, Poland, Japan, Switzerland and other suppliers.
Background & Context
India imposed provisional ADD on low-ash metallurgical coke in December 2025 after concerns about under-pricing. The duties became effective in January 2026, covering imports from China, Indonesia, Poland, Japan, Switzerland and others. On 3 January 2026 the Directorate General of Foreign Trade removed quantitative restrictions and prior-authorisation requirements, but the ADD remained.
Data & Statistics
BigMint reports 2025 imports fell 21 % to 3.81 million tons, while domestic supply met half of H1 demand. The ADD ranged US$60.87-US$130.66 per tonne; caps limited imports to 713,583 tons. RINL saw a 20 % input-cost rise. Metallurgical coke makes up roughly 35-40 % of steel-manufacturing cost.
Official Statements & Responses
The Ministry of Steel’s memorandum says concerns have emerged over limited met coke availability and rising domestic prices after the ADD, a financial burden on steel manufacturers. It adds domestic market cannot ensure adequate met coke at competitive rates and urges Finance Ministry to lift the duties.
Criticism & Opposition
JSW Steel and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India warn the curbs threaten production capacity. Analysts note reduced imports limit affordable met coke, especially for small and medium steelmakers dependent on merchant suppliers. They argue the duties erode competitiveness and could delay plant expansions.
Why It Matters / Impact
Metallurgical coke, a carbon-rich fuel for blast-furnace ironmaking, accounts for 35-40 % of steel-manufacturing cost. The reported 20 % input-cost rise at RINL reflects the financial impact of higher coke prices. The sector’s health is relevant to India’s status as the world’s second-largest crude steel producer.
Verbatim Quotes
- "Concerns have emerged regarding the limited availability of met coke in the domestic market and a substantial increase in domestic prices following the imposition of ADD, which has imposed a significant financial burden on steel manufacturers." — Ministry of Steel
- "The domestic market has not been able to ensure adequate availability of met coke at competitive rates to meet the requirements of the steel industry." — Ministry of Steel
What's Next
The Finance Ministry will review the memorandum and decide whether to lift the provisional ADD. A reversal could restore higher import volumes and ease cost pressures, while a continuation would maintain current constraints on steel producers.
