Saturday, March 29, 2025
India’s ‘Tariff Strike’ on China and 2 Other Nations for New Year: Steel Imports Get Costlier, New Rules Apply for 3 Years
New Delhi, December 31, 2025: On the eve of the new year, the Indian government has taken a major step to boost the domestic steel industry and shield it from cheap foreign goods. India has increased import duties on select steel products coming from China, Nepal, and Vietnam. These rules will remain in effect for the next three years.
What’s the New Tariff Structure?
According to the government notification, the heightened duties will be implemented in phases to strengthen the domestic market:
First year: 12% import duty.
Second year: 11.5% import duty.
Third year: 11% import duty.
Which Countries and Products Will Be Affected?
This decision will directly impact steel imports primarily from three countries—China, Vietnam, and Nepal. The government took this measure because cheap steel from these nations was hurting Indian companies’ competitiveness.
Who Gets Exemptions?
Certain types of steel, such as stainless steel, have been excluded from these additional duties.
Additionally, some other developing countries have also been granted exemptions from the new tariff rules.
Major Relief for Domestic Industry
Indian steel manufacturers have long demanded action against “dumping” (flooding the market with cheap imports) from abroad. Experts believe this step will boost steel production in India and further strengthen the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
