Draft steel policy seeks AI-powered framework for early detection of sub-standard steel imports

The draft steel policy seeks to put in place an AIpowered governance framework and advanced data analytics to ensure early detection of abnormal import trends and boost the competitiveness of the domestic steel industryAccording to the draft National Steel Policy Vision 2047 a threepronged strategy centred around quality assurance fair trade and domestic capability should be adopted to reduce avoidable import dependence strengthen Indias steel ecosystem and enhance the competitiveness resilience and longterm growth of both the steel industry and downstream manufacturing sectorsThe proposed policy seeks to build a roadmap for the Indian steel industry until 2047The government has proposed a new policy as the earlier National Steel Policy 2017 needed a relook considering the current challenges and requirements of the steel sector Emerging priorities like artificial intelligence machine learning and technical upgrades require greater focusBesides scaling up the countrys steelmaking capacity to 604 million tonnes MT raw material security and technology upgrades the new policy has laid a special emphasis on checking substandard imports to support domestic industryAccording to the draft the imports of substandard or nonconforming steel sudden import surges and possible circumvention of trade measures pose significant challenges for domestic producersThese concerns require a robust import governance framework based on testing certification traceability and realtime import monitoring supported by advanced analytics for early detection of abnormal import trends said the draft of the policy that has been brought for stakeholder consultationMeasures to discourage import of substandard lowquality steel will continue to be taken including AIsupported import monitoring and other trade remedial measures Export of good quality steel will also be encouraged it saidThe document said more than 60 per cent of Indias steel imports originate from countries with which India has free trade agreements FTAsThe global steel sector is witnessing increasing protectionism with many countries adopting measures to safeguard their domestic industries against lowcost imports unfair trade practices and supply chain disruptions arising from geopolitical developmentsIt said that where unfair trade practices are established timely and evidencebased antidumping countervailing and safeguard measures should be pursued in coordination with the Directorate General of Trade Remedies DGTR Department of Commerce and other stakeholdersSuch interventions should remain targeted and proportionate so that downstream industries continue to have access to essential inputs at affordable pricesWhile protecting the domestic industry from unfair imports import policy should also ensure the availability of specialised and valueadded steel grades that are not adequately produced within the country Reducing dependence on such imports requires sustained investment in advanced metallurgical technologies automation research and development quality systems productivity enhancement energy efficiency raw material security and logistics infrastructureAs per the draft policy India was a net exporter of finished steel during the fiscal year 202526 During FY26 imports of finished steel declined by 32 per cent to 65 million tonnes while exports increased by 36 per cent to 66 million tonnesHowever the trend reversed in the ongoing fiscalAccording to official data India the worlds largest steel making country imported finished steel worth Rs 361939 crore in AprilAugust this fiscal and remained a net importer of the commodity during the periodChina Korea Japan Indonesia and Vietnam were the top five countries that contributed significantly to the total 34873 million tonnes MT of finished steel imports up 295 per cent from 26928 MT in AprilAugust FY26This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever