Mild Steel

Mild steel (MS), often referred to as low-carbon steel, is one of the most commonly used materials across industries. This is due to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and wide range of applications. Mild steel forms the base for many structural and industrial products. It is what holds up buildings and bridges, makes a car’s frame, or even makes industrial machinery. That is why it is thought of as the reliable go-to option in the world of metals.

Mild steel is basically a type of carbon steel. But the carbon in it is pretty low. It usually contains less than 0.25% carbon. This makes it very easy to work with. It’s strong but flexible. So you can shape it, weld it, and cut it without much hassle. This makes it a favourite for people in construction, car-making, and even making metal tools.

Key Properties of Mild Steel

Mild steel’s unique properties make it suitable for many applications:

• Low Carbon Content: The low carbon content (usually between 0.05% and 0.25%) makes it easy to weld, cut, and form without cracking.
• Ductility: Mild steel is highly ductile. So, it can be easily stretched or deformed without breaking. This is a big plus for construction work.
• Malleability: You can roll it, hammer it, or flatten it into sheets if needed. It’s versatile like that.
• Strength: It’s not the strongest metal, but it’s strong enough for most jobs. For structural uses, mild steel is strong enough to hold ground. 
• Corrosion Resistance: It does rust if you don’t coat or treat it. So, it’s not as resistant as stainless steel. But with a little treatment or coating, mild steel can stand up to rust and wear.
• Cost-Effectiveness: It’s available everywhere and doesn’t cost much. This makes it a popular pick.

Mild steel isn’t just of one type, though. There are some variations depending on how much carbon it has. Low-carbon steel is the softest and easiest to shape, while medium-carbon steel is a bit stronger and harder. There’s also high-carbon mild steel, but it’s rare and mostly used for specific tools. This is because it’s harder to weld and shape.

Industrial Applications of Mild Steel

• Construction and Infrastructure: Mild steel is a construction favourite. It holds up well under heavy loads. So, it is used in building frames, bridges, and railways.
• Automotive: The bodies of cars and bike frames often use mild steel because it’s light but strong. It’s also used in engine parts, and other components in fuel-efficient cars.
• Manufacturing and Fabrication: It is a preferred material for fabricating machinery, tools, and structural components.
• Pipes and Tubes: MS is often used for making pipes and tubes that are crucial in plumbing, oil, and gas industries.
• Electrical Industry: Mild steel is used in the production of electrical panels, transformers, and other related products.

Mild Steel Market Trends and Supply Chain

The construction sector remains one of the largest consumers of mild steel, with infrastructure development driving the demand for this material. Urbanization and large-scale housing projects are expected to continue, fuelling the demand for mild steel.

The demand for lightweight materials in the automotive industry is growing, especially for use in fuel-efficient vehicles. Mild steel’s malleability and strength make it ideal for automotive manufacturing.

As part of efforts to reduce environmental impact, the steel industry is also focusing on more sustainable production practices. But, did you know mild steel is 100% recyclable? That’s why it’s great for eco-friendly projects too. 

Buyers often seek competitive pricing through bulk purchasing and long-term supply agreements, ensuring cost savings and reliability in procurement. However, the steel industry is facing challenges. In India, Chinese steel imports have been flooding the market. And this is causing problems for local mills. Some of the small and medium-sized mills, which constitute 41% of the country's total steel output, are really struggling with this. This is because they can’t keep up with these cheap imports. So, it's not just affecting local mills but also hurting Indian exports and domestic sales. 

Moreover, tenders for mild steel materials are also increasing. So if you are into it, there’s definitely a chance to grab some big projects. For example, the Modern Coach Factory (MCF) was looking for steel components for train sets. And there are more tenders like this coming up in places like Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, and Chennai, Tamil Nadu. So, if you’re into this, keep an eye out.

Mild Steel Prices

Tracking mild steel prices regularly through trusted suppliers or platforms can help businesses stay ahead of the market curve. 

MS steel price changes a lot depending on various things. Sometimes, the prices move up if the cost of raw materials like iron ore and coal goes up. Global trade issues can also affect prices.

As of early 2025, mild steel prices in India remained around Rs 40,000-60,000 per metric ton. For example, Primary TMT bars are have been priced above Rs 45,000. Secondary TMT bars are more affordable, ranging from Rs 36,000 to Rs 44,000 per metric ton. Likewise, MS Hot Rolled Coils usually start from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 per metric ton. These prices could go up or down depending on where you are or who you’re buying from. 

Companies like JSW Steel are even dealing with 70% profit drops because prices have been low, and demand isn’t that high.

If you are buying in bulk, prices might go lower. So, make sure you are checking regularly on platforms like Nexizo. 

Mild Steel Historical Prices

Looking back at the mild steel prices, there’s been too many ups and downs over the last 12 months. It reached its peak in May 2024. Mainly, it’s been because of rising raw material costs and issues with the supply chain. After that, it saw a big decline.

By examining past price data, we can better understand potential trends and prepare for future procurement needs.

Mild Steel Rates Today 

Right now, prices vary a bit. It can depend on your location and the supplier. But they are competitive, and you can choose based on what you need. If you want MS sheet price, expect to pay somewhere between Rs 46,000 and Rs 57,000 per mt depending on what you are buying and where you are located. 

Mild Steel Price Forecast 

Experts think steel demand will grow by 8-9% in 2025. This is because India is investing heavily in infrastructure and manufacturing. Fitch Ratings predicts a 12% growth in steel consumption by 2026. However, there are some issues, like rising imports and fluctuating raw material costs. Still, India wants to achieve a 300 million tons capacity by 2030.

Factors that Influence Mild Steel Prices in India

Several factors can make the mild steel prices go up or down:

• Raw Material Costs: Iron ore and coal prices play a huge role.
• Global Supply and Demand: The availability of steel and fluctuations in demand, especially in construction and automotive sectors, can affect pricing.
• Economic Factors: Economic conditions, including government policies, taxes, and tariffs, can have an impact on the steel market.

Get the Best Mild Steel Prices Today on Nexizo

If you are in the market for mild steel, staying updated on prices and availability is crucial. If you want to get the best deal, you should track the MS per kg rate to get a clear idea of your overall costs. 

To help you make better decisions, platforms like Nexizo provide regularly updated prices for products such as MS sheets, coils, rods, and more. Plus, on Nexizo, you can explore active procurement opportunities and tenders related to mild steel.

Stay informed, compare prices, and plan your purchases wisely to get the best value for your investment.