India is poised to announce a $125 per tonne anti-dumping duty on imports of metallurgical coke (met coke) as early as October 2025, in a move aimed at shielding domestic manufacturers from aggressive undercutting by foreign suppliers. The decision, currently under final review by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), follows months of lobbying by Indian coke producers who claim that cheap imports—particularly from China and Poland—have severely disrupted pricing and production margins.
Met coke, a key raw material used in steelmaking, has seen a surge in inbound shipments over the past year, with import volumes rising nearly 40% year-on-year. Domestic producers argue that the landed cost of met coke from certain countries is well below fair market value, triggering a price war that threatens the viability of Indian coke plants.
“The injury to domestic industry is real and quantifiable. The proposed duty will restore a level playing field and ensure long-term sustainability,” said a senior official involved in the DGTR investigation.
India’s Met Coke Import Trends – FY23 to FY25
| Year | Import Volume (Million Tonnes) | Average Import Price ($/Tonne) | Major Source Countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY23 | 2.1 | $210 | China, Poland, Colombia |
| FY24 | 2.8 | $185 | China, Poland, Russia |
| FY25 (Est.) | 3.2 | $172 | China, Poland, Indonesia |
The anti-dumping duty, if implemented, will apply to met coke imports priced below the threshold of $200 per tonne and is expected to remain in force for five years. The move aligns with India’s broader trade strategy to curb unfair competition and support domestic manufacturing under the Make in India initiative.
Industry bodies such as the Indian Metallurgical Coke Producers Association (IMCPA) have welcomed the proposal, stating that the duty will help stabilize prices and revive idle capacities. Several plants in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Gujarat have been operating at sub-optimal levels due to margin pressure.
Impact of Proposed Anti-Dumping Duty – Sectoral Analysis
| Stakeholder Group | Expected Impact | Strategic Response |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Coke Producers | Price recovery, capacity utilization | Restart idle units, expand output |
| Steel Manufacturers | Marginal cost increase | Diversify sourcing, renegotiate contracts |
| Importers & Traders | Reduced arbitrage opportunity | Shift to alternate suppliers |
| Government Revenue | Duty collections, reduced forex outflow | Strengthen trade balance |
| Global Suppliers | Loss of Indian market share | Explore alternate Asian markets |
The steel industry, which is the primary consumer of met coke, has expressed mixed reactions. While integrated steel players with captive coke units are largely unaffected, secondary producers and mini-mills may face higher input costs. However, analysts believe the impact will be manageable given the current buoyancy in steel prices and demand.
“The duty will correct distortions without derailing steel production. It’s a calibrated move,” said Dr. Radhika Menon, metals analyst at CRISIL.
The DGTR’s investigation was initiated in April 2025 following complaints from multiple domestic producers. The probe examined import pricing, injury margins, and market share erosion over a three-year period. The final recommendation is expected to be submitted to the Ministry of Finance by the first week of October.
Social media platforms and trade forums have seen a spike in discussions around the duty, with hashtags like #MetCokeDuty, #TradeRemedyIndia, and #SteelSupplyChain trending among industry watchers.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Met Coke Duty Proposal
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.2M mentions | 76% supportive | #MetCokeDuty #TradeRemedyIndia |
| 1.1M interactions | 78% analytical | #SteelSupplyChain #MakeInIndia | |
| 950K views | 82% curious | #RawMaterialWatch #CokeCrisis | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 80% informative | #MetCokeExplained #DutyImpact2025 |
The proposed duty is also expected to influence global pricing dynamics, with suppliers from China and Poland likely to reallocate volumes to Southeast Asia and Africa. Indian traders may pivot to sourcing from countries not covered under the duty, such as Colombia or South Africa.
India’s Met Coke Market – Key Players and Capacity Overview
| Company Name | Installed Capacity (Million Tonnes) | Location | Status (FY25) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saurashtra Fuels | 1.2 | Gujarat | Operating at 70% |
| BLA Coke Pvt Ltd | 0.9 | Odisha | Operating at 60% |
| Gujarat NRE Coke | 1.5 | Gujarat | Under revival plan |
| Tata Steel (Captive) | 2.0 | Jharkhand | Fully operational |
| Vizag Coke Pvt Ltd | 0.6 | Andhra Pradesh | Operating at 50% |
As India prepares to finalize the duty structure, stakeholders across the value chain are recalibrating their procurement and pricing strategies. The move is being closely watched by global trade bodies and WTO observers, given its potential to reshape regional coke trade flows.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government statements, verified industry reports, and trade data. It does not constitute investment advice or policy endorsement. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
