India consumed more steel than it produced in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27. Steel consumption rose eight point three percent to forty-one point six million metric tons, outpacing production growth of five point nine percent to forty-one million metric tons. Imports surged forty-nine percent to two point zero six million metric tons, keeping India a net steel importer. The data, released by India's Ministry of Steel on 7 July 2026, reflects surging demand from infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing sectors.