Despite ongoing restrictions on low-ash metallurgical (LAM) coke imports, the Central Government has granted ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS) permission to import an additional 71,500 metric tonnes of the critical raw material from Poland. This exemption follows the company’s plea that the import curbs were disrupting its steel manufacturing operations.
The joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel had earlier sought relief after facing rejections on import orders totalling 168,300 MT from Indonesia and Poland. In response, authorities not only approved the new 71,500 MT import from Poland but also allowed the company to redirect an existing allocation of 88,000 MT that was originally approved for Russia to Poland instead.
Following these developments, a legal case filed by AM/NS India on March 5 was marked as disposed of on the Delhi High Court website, indicating that the matter had been resolved after the company legally challenged the import rejections.
LAM coke is vital in the steelmaking process, serving as both a reducing agent and a fuel in blast furnaces to convert iron ore into molten iron. It is especially crucial for integrated steel plants.
In January, the Indian government introduced country-specific quotas to regulate LAM coke imports, aiming to protect domestic producers. These restrictions are currently set to remain in effect until 30 June.
According to a report in The Hindu, AM/NS India’s senior leadership had raised alarms about the policy change in a letter dated 13 February 2025. Addressed to a senior lawmaker, the company warned that prolonged restrictions could jeopardize future investments and disrupt steel production. In the same communication, AM/NS urged a reassessment of its import quotas and requested approval for the 71,500 MT shipment already imported from Poland.
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