India is levying a safeguard duty of 11.5 percent on certain imported flat steel products this year. The duty was imposed after a government investigation found a sudden and sharp rise in steel imports that threatened domestic producers.

Imports of the covered products rose from 2.293 million tonnes in 2021-22 to 6.612 million tonnes during the investigation period. The definitive duty came through a customs notification dated December 30, 2025.

The duty runs for three years on a sliding scale: 12 percent in the first year, 11.5 percent in the second year until April 20, 2027, and 11 percent in the third year. It covers hot-rolled, cold-rolled, galvanised and colour-coated steel under tariff codes 7208 to 7226.

Some products are excluded, including electrical steel, stainless steel and tinplate. Imports priced at or above notified thresholds, between $675 and $964 per tonne depending on the product, are also exempt.

The duty does not target one country alone, but imports from China and Vietnam are specifically covered. The measure aims to give Indian steelmakers breathing room.