India Imposes 12% Safeguard Duty on Steel Imports to Protect Domestic Industry

On April 21, 2025, India imposed a 12% provisional safeguard duty on imports of certain non-alloy and alloy steel flat products, including hot/cold rolled, metallic-coated, and colour-coated steel. The duty targets sharp surges in imports from countries like China and Vietnam that harm domestic producers. Imports priced above specific CIF thresholds (e.g., $675/MT for hot rolled coils) are exempt. Also exempt are imports from most developing countries and specialized steel types like stainless or electro-galvanized steel. The duty applies for 200 days and is calculated as 12% of CIF value, payable in INR at the prevailing exchange rate on entry filing.