The Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) is calling for government intervention to protect domestic producers from Chinese dumping. Although local consumption recently crossed 5 million tons, it is warned that China’s 8-million-ton excess capacity, often rerouted through nations such as Vietnam, threatens expansion plans to reach 11 million tons by 2030.

To secure the supply chain, the association requests that chromium be classified as a critical mineral to speed up mining. Besides, the industry seeks permanent zero-duty status on imported scrap and ferro alloys to counter raw material shortages, such as nickel.

With per capita consumption of stainless steel expected to double, firms like Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys Limited (IMFA) are already reorienting sales toward the domestic market to meet this rising demand.