Domestic self-sufficiency in alloy steel key to unlocking India’s manufacturing potential – ASPA

• APSA calls for faster localisation of high-value alloy steel grades
• Bigmint summit to focus on India’s alloy steel growth potential

India’s alloy steel industry is intensifying efforts to localise speciality steel grades and strengthen domestic value addition, with the Alloy Steel Producers Association (ASPA) highlighting the need to reduce import dependence across automotive, defence and engineering applications.

ASPA focuses on localisation and value addition

The focus was a key theme at the ASPA Annual Conclave 2026, which brought together alloy steel producers, automotive OEMs, auto component manufacturers and policymakers to discuss strengthening India’s domestic alloy steel ecosystem and improving its global competitiveness.

ASPA, along with representatives from SIAM and ACMA, stressed the need to develop high-value alloy steel grades currently imported for automotive, defence and engineering applications. While more than 95% of automotive components are manufactured domestically, participants noted that greater localisation of speciality steel grades could further strengthen domestic supply chains, reduce import dependence and improve cost competitiveness.

A study presented by Quesrow Consulting highlighted the impact of indirect imports of finished engineering and automotive components on domestic manufacturers. It identified downstream localisation as an opportunity to increase domestic value addition, strengthen manufacturing capabilities and improve India’s export competitiveness.

During an interaction with ASPA members, the Secretary, Ministry of Steel, encouraged producers to accelerate investments under the PLI Scheme, expand indigenous production of high-value alloy steel and strengthen exports. He also advised the industry to pursue appropriate trade-remedy measures through DGTR where unfairly priced imports affect domestic producers.

ASPA also acknowledged government support through the PLI Scheme, Green Steel initiatives and measures aimed at ensuring the availability of critical raw materials and industrial gases during periods of geopolitical disruption.

BigMint summit to focus on alloy steel growth

Separately, BigMint will organise the India Alloy Steel & Special Steel Summit 2026 on 20-21 August under the theme “Unlocking India’s Alloy Steel Growth Potential.”

The summit will bring together alloy steel producers, automotive OEMs, downstream manufacturers, policymakers and technology providers to discuss India’s alloy steel demand outlook, import substitution, export opportunities, pricing, benchmarking, green steel and technology adoption.

Dedicated discussions will also cover automotive demand and strategies to strengthen domestic value addition across the alloy steel supply chain.

Outlook

ASPA’s push for speciality grade localisation highlights the industry’s growing focus on moving towards higher value-added alloy steel production. As demand from automotive, defence, railways, renewable energy and engineering sectors expands, faster localisation could reduce import dependence, strengthen downstream manufacturing and improve India’s competitiveness in global markets.