India's steel sector is experiencing a positive start to 2026, driven by robust domestic demand and the extension of safeguard duties on key flat steel products. Domestic finished steel consumption saw a 7.4% rise from April to November 2025. The government's decision to extend safeguard duties for three years, with tapering rates, is expected to support domestic producers' realisations and reduce imports, which have already fallen significantly. Steel prices have also seen a month-on-month recovery.