Flat Steel Prices Hold Steady Amid Weak Demand, Import Concerns Loom Large

Key Takeaways

• Stable Prices Across Regions: HRC prices are steady between ₹52,500–₹55,500/ton, while CRC ranges ₹58,500–₹62,500/ton, showing little daily variation.
• Demand Weakness in Key Sectors: Auto, construction, and infra sectors are seeing slowed activity due to seasonal and economic factors, keeping steel demand subdued.
• Import Pressure Intensifies: Cheap imports from China and others are affecting domestic pricing, triggering industry calls for anti-dumping protection.
• Government & Industry Actions: Regulatory moves, including import curbs and likely duties, aim to stabilize local supply chains and shield domestic producers.
• Outlook Remains Cautiously Positive: Despite current softness, flat steel demand is expected to rise 8–9% in 2025, supported by infrastructure and “Make in India” efforts.

Flat Steel Price

Markets reported little price changes in HRC & CRC as compared to the previous day in a few geographical locations. The prices of flat products in various markets are as below:

Flat Steel Demand and Supply

• In June 2025, India's hot-rolled coil (HRC) market is witnessing low demand due to weather constraints, driven by key sectors like automotive, construction, and infrastructure. 
• While demand is expected to rise, challenges include pressure from cheap imports, particularly from China. 
• The government is likely to implement anti-dumping measures to protect domestic producers, potentially stabilizing prices. 
• Major steelmakers are expanding capacities, and long-term demand is expected to grow with infrastructure development and "Make in India" initiatives. 
• However, competition from imports remains a key concern.

Flat Steel News

• In UK, Tata Steel plans to commence construction of its electric arc furnace (EAF) at Port Talbot in July 2025, with commissioning targeted for FY2027-28, according to its FY2024-25 annual report.
• Backed by GBP 500 million in UK government support, the $1.5 billion investment marks a strategic pivot away from the blast furnace--basic oxygen furnace (BFBOF) route toward a lower-emission, scrap-based EAF model.

Expert Opinion

• Indian steel distributors are navigating a mixed market scenario in June 2025, marked by both opportunities and headwinds. While domestic steel demand is projected to expand by 8-9% this year, primarily fueled by housing and infrastructure needs, distributors are grappling with increased competition from Chinese, South Korean, and Japanese imports - a situation that has led the Indian Alloy Steel Producers' Association to explore anti-dumping measures. 
• Supply chain disruptions from regulatory shifts, including metallurgical coke import restrictions, coupled with margin pressures from price fluctuations caused by low-cost imports, present immediate challenges. Nevertheless, the sector maintains an optimistic long-term perspective, contingent on the industry's ability to effectively respond to these market dynamics.