India Implements Import Quota for Metallurgical Coke in H1 2025

In a strategic move to bolster its domestic metallurgical coke (met coke) industry and maintain a stable supply for steel production, the Indian government has introduced a new import quota policy effective from January 1 to June 30, 2025. The policy limits total imports to 1,427,166 metric tons (MT) and sets country-specific quotas, aiming to regulate trade and ensure supply chain resilience.

Quota Distribution

Under the policy, the largest allocation has been granted to Poland, with 506,336 MT, followed by Colombia at 249,771 MT and Japan at 209,980 MT. Other notable allocations include Indonesia (66,364 MT) and Singapore (46,478 MT), reflecting India’s strategy to balance traditional suppliers with emerging markets.

Key Guidelines

To ensure effective implementation and monitoring, the policy includes the following directives:

1. EDI Port Mandate: All met coke imports must be processed through designated Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) ports, enabling real-time quota tracking.

2. Quarterly Monitoring: Unused quotas from the first quarter (January-March) can be carried forward to the second quarter (April-June).

3. Surplus Quota Reallocation: Countries exhausting their assigned quotas can apply for access to unused quotas from other nations, subject to approval.

Strategic Objectives

The Indian government outlined the primary goals of the import quota policy as follows:

• Protect Domestic Producers: Shield the local met coke industry from international competition.

• Stabilize Steel Production: Ensure a steady supply of critical raw materials for the steel sector.

• Mitigate Price Fluctuations: Diversify suppliers to reduce dependency on major exporters and cushion against global price volatility.

Policy Review and Future Outlook

The policy will remain in effect until June 30, 2025. However, the government retains the right to extend, modify, or adjust quotas in response to market conditions or national priorities.

This quota system aligns with India’s broader efforts to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of its steel industry while mitigating external risks. Stakeholders across the supply chain are expected to adapt to the new regulations as they take effect in early 2025.