Fresh Price Hike Hits Structure Market Amid Import Duty Buzz and Heavy Demand

Key Takeaways

• Primary prices up: Base prices rose by Rs 400–700/MT across Durgapur, Vizag, and Chennai amid strong demand and rising costs.
• Lead times extend: Bulk section delivery slots are now stretching past 4 weeks, with mill priorities shifting toward large institutional orders.
• Secondary market firm: Medium channels and flats continue moving fast, but angles and RHS face dispatch delays in Raipur and Telangana.
• Import duty impact looms: Market remains on edge as 12% safeguard duty creates short-term hedging and inventory rush.
• Booking windows shrink: Mill order books are full till mid-May; smaller buyers are pushed toward stocking yards and secondary market.

Structure Price Update

• Primary Market (Base Prices for 100x50 Channel):
• Durgapur: Rs 54,200
• Chennai: Rs 58,400
• Vizag: Rs 57,800
• Mumbai: Rs 57,600
• Ghaziabad: Rs 56,700
• Secondary Market Prices (Base Prices for 100x50 Channel):
• Raipur: Rs 50,400
• Hyderabad: Rs 51,800
• Raigarh: Rs 49,600
• Chennai: Rs 51,600
• Mandi Gobindgarh: Rs 51,800
• Durgapur: Rs 49,500

Structure Demand and Supply 

• Primary Market

The structural steel primary market continues to remain bullish. Mills across zones are experiencing strong order inflows, with ISMBs and WPBs witnessing significant demand pressure. The recent uptick in input cost—especially in logistics and imported coking coal—has led to a fresh round of price hikes ranging between Rs 400–Rs 700/MT. Durgapur and Vizag were early movers, with Chennai and Mumbai following suit due to sustained institutional buying and project-led consumption. Lead times have now extended to 4+ weeks for bulk sections, and slot allocation for early May is becoming tighter by the day.

• Secondary Market

Secondary market prices have seen a moderate rise across major hubs. Active procurement from fabricators and restocking by retail yards are driving consistent offtake. While demand for flats and medium channels remains robust, certain sections like RHS and angles are facing regional dispatch challenges due to delayed transport clearances in Raipur and parts of Telangana. Despite logistical hurdles, mills are focusing on timely dispatches and zone-level fulfilment to retain buyer confidence.

Structure Market News & Updates

• Booking Windows Shrinking

Mill order books are almost fully committed till mid-May. Priority is being given to larger institutional orders and repeat customers, leaving smaller buyers to rely more on the secondary market or stocking yards. Order reshuffling and fast-track lifting options are being explored through channel partners.

Expert Opinion

Secondary Market:

• High Rotation Focus: Medium channels, flats, and light angles remain the fastest movers—ensure stock liquidity.
• Freight-Sensitive Strategy: Zone-wise freight arbitrage is yielding strong returns—optimize based on sourcing hub.
• Hold Selectively: Avoid overstocking slower sections; realign based on regional project momentum.

Primary Market:

• Book in Advance: With price hikes imminent and allocations tight, confirm orders before end-April.
• Heavy Section Shortage: WPBs and ISMBs above 400mm remain under supply pressure—prioritize early procurement.
• Expect Hike: Rs 500–Rs 800/MT increase is widely expected post-duty decision; consider forward planning.