Posted on 20 Nov 2025
India’s steel demand is changing as more flat products move into structural applications. This trend is shaping product development and delivery models across the sector, Kallanish learns. This shift reflects wider changes in construction and manufacturing activity.
At a recent industry event, Sandeep Kumar, vice president raw materials at Tata Steel, said that flat steel is now used more widely in structural work. He noted: “Traditionally, long products signalled core construction activity, but a new trend is gaining momentum… more flat steel is now being processed into structural applications.” Hot rolled coil is converted into beams, light sections for pre-engineered buildings, and tubes and pipes for commercial and industrial sites.
He adds: “Producers are adding new structural and automotive grades every year that are lighter, stronger and better suited to modern engineering needs.”
Power-sector demand has moved from E50 to E40 as design needs evolve. Meanwhile, India’s new green steel taxonomy provides benchmarks and certification rules, while allowing firms time to adjust.
Structural producers report rising customisation. One mill now rolls over 70 section sizes each month, compared with 15 previously. This improves delivery times and strengthens distributor coverage. Lighter sections also support faster pre-engineered building project execution.
Subhendu Bose, managing director of Duferco Asia, said demand quality is also shifting. He said: “India is moving into a phase where the quality of demand is changing. The market is no longer driven only by traditional construction steel. We are seeing broader and more diversified usage across manufacturing, infrastructure, and engineering.” He added that India’s scale, policy stability and investment cycles reinforce its regional importance.
Automotive steel demand is around 8% of total consumption. Growth in expressways, commercial vehicles and urban logistics supports high-strength and light-weight grades. Electric vehicle and metro expansion will influence future trends.
India’s broader steel usage underlines its role in supporting infrastructure, mobility, and industrial growth.
Source:Kallanish
