India bought more rolled steel from abroad than it sold overseas in the first half of its fiscal year. Government data show imports rose 23.8% to 4.14 million metric tons between April & September. Exports grew faster, up 26.2% to 3.55 million metric tons, but not enough to close the gap. China & South Korea supplied almost 63% of imports. The United Arab Emirates & Vietnam bought the most Indian steel. Domestic demand stayed strong, rising 7.6% to 85 million metric tons.