• Indias steel demand to reach 192 million tonnes by 2030, growing at a 6% CAGR.
• Construction and infrastructure to drive over 60% of total demand.
• Per capita steel consumption to nearly double from 96 kg to 160 kg.

Indias steel sector is entering a defining phase of growth as the economy accelerates towards its 2030 vision. Steel consumption, a key indicator of industrial development and urbanization, is expected to witness a significant transformation, driven by evolving sectoral dynamics and policy-backed growth across critical user industries.

By 2030, Indias total steel demand is projected to reach 192 million tonnes (mnt), growing at a 6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This growth is anchored primarily in two sectorsconstruction and infrastructurewhich are expected to jointly contribute 6063% of the overall steel demand. These sectors will remain the mainstay of India's steel story, powered by massive public investments, rapid urbanization, and the governments continued push towards building world-class physical infrastructure.

According to the latest figures, Indias steel demand reached 149 mnt in FY25, up from 136 mnt in FY24. The construction sector alone consumed 47 mnt (31%), while the infrastructure segment accounted for 42 mnt (28%). By FY30, the construction sectors share is projected to rise to 64 mnt (33%), and infrastructure to 55 mnt (29%), reflecting the substantial pipeline of housing, roadways, railways, metros, and logistics projects.

The product mix in steel demand is also evolving. Long steel products, essential for construction and infrastructure applications, are expected to witness significant growthfrom an estimated 89 mnt in FY25 to around 114 mnt by FY30. Simultaneously, flat steel products, primarily used in the automobile, general engineering, and capital goods sectors, are projected to grow from 63 mnt in FY24 and ~74 mnt in FY25 to approximately 78 mnt by FY30.

The automobile and general engineering sectors together are expected to contribute around 23% of the total demand by 2030. This includes demand arising from increased passenger and commercial vehicle production, growth in electric vehicles, expansion in capital equipment manufacturing, and the rise of precision engineering applications.

Indias anticipated emergence as the worlds third-largest economy by 2030 will be a major driver of steel demand. As incomes rise, infrastructure expands, and industries modernize, per capita steel consumption is projected to nearly doublefrom the current 88 kg to around 160 kg. This significant growth underscores the evolving role of steel in supporting Indias economic aspirations.

Much of this demand surge is underpinned by transformative government initiatives

• Bharatmala and Sagarmala are enhancing national road and port infrastructure.
• Dedicated freight corridors and railway expansion are creating consistent demand for long and structural steel.
• The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is boosting mass housing construction.
• Urban infrastructure projectsairports, ports, metro rails, and smart citiesare pushing both long and flat steel requirements.
• The renewable energy sector, targeting 500 GW by 2030, is driving demand for specialized steel applications.
• PLI schemes in sectors like automotive, electronics, and solar manufacturing are supporting long-term industrial steel consumption.

South India: A Strategic Growth Hub for Steel

Southern India has emerged as a key engine of steel consumption and trade, backed by:

• Strong demand from infrastructure, auto, engineering, and renewables.
• Robust port infrastructure (Chennai, Krishnapatnam, Visakhapatnam) enabling efficient raw material imports like scrap, coal, and ore.
• Heavy reliance on imported scrap supporting greener, electric arc-based steelmaking.
• A surge in investments across green mobility, EVs, and precision industries.
• Business-friendly policies, a skilled workforce, and industrial corridors driving expansion.

Conclusion: Building Indias Steel FuturePowered by the South

As India marches towards its 2030 economic milestone, steel will remain the backbone of developmentwith the Southern region playing a frontline role. Its strategic location, industrial dynamism, and infrastructure readiness uniquely position it to lead the next phase of steel-driven growth, innovation, and sustainability.

Join us at FUTURE.STEEL SOUTH, taking place on 18-19 June 2025 at Taj Coromandel, Chennai the Southern hub of Indias accelerating steel ecosystem. With South India contributing ~27 million tonnes of steel output, this region is fast emerging as a strategic pillar of Indias steel growth story.

BigMint proudly brings its flagship steel conference to Chennai, featuring 30+ expert speakers across 7+ insightful sessions. This edition will offer an in-depth exploration of key themes including Pricing, Policy, Trade, and Technology, alongside crucial discussions on Green Steel, Scrap, Sustainability, Outlook, Indexing, and Capacity Expansion.

Attendees can look forward to unmatched opportunities in Sponsorships, Exhibition Stalls, and over 10 hours of high-impact networking with leading steel producers, buyers, traders, technology providers, miners, end users, and policymakers. An exclusive Steel Plant Tour is also scheduled for 19 June, offering firsthand industry insights.

Dont miss South Indias most strategic steel dialogue secure your spot now: https://tinyurl.com/33985dkn