India Import-Export Weekly Roundup: January 6, 2026
This week: met coke curbs rolled back, new steel safeguard duty, organic sugar export cap, honey MEP extended, and US tariff risk tied to Russian oil.
Policy signals dominated the week for Indian traders—especially around raw material imports and agri exports. Exporters and importers should recheck contracts, pricing, and licensing assumptions because multiple measures changed within days.
1. Met coke imports reopened, easing immediate steel input risks
India has removed the “restricted” status for low-ash metallurgical coke (below 18% ash), reversing a recently announced curb. For steelmakers and alloy producers, this reduces near-term supply disruption and price shock risk. Importers should reassess pending authorisation applications and revive paused purchase orders.
- DGFT changed low-ash met coke (ash <18%) back to “Free” via an amendment dated January 3, 2026.
- The rollback comes days after a restriction window was set from January 1 to June 30, 2026.
- Action: update procurement plans and check if shipments can move without DGFT import authorisation under the revised status.
2. Provisional anti-dumping duty raises landed cost of met coke
Even as policy restrictions eased, India has imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty on low-ash met coke imports from multiple origins. This directly impacts landed costs for import-dependent plants and can shift sourcing decisions toward exempt origins or domestic suppliers. Buyers should re-price contracts and review duty liability clauses immediately.
- Provisional anti-dumping duty ranges from about $60.87 to $130.66 per tonne.
- Measure applies for six months and targets imports from Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, and Russia.
- Action: rework cost sheets for ongoing/next shipments and validate country-of-origin documentation to avoid disputes at clearance.
3. New safeguard duty targets select steel imports for three years
India has introduced a multi-year safeguard duty on certain steel products to curb low-priced import inflows. For downstream users (engineering, infra, auto ancillaries), this can raise input prices and tighten availability for specific grades. Importers should evaluate product coverage, exemptions, and alternate sourcing before placing Q1 orders.
- Safeguard duty set at 12% in year one, then 11.5% and 11% over the next two years.
- Duration is three years, aimed at limiting cheaper steel inflows (with specific country exclusions and product carve-outs).
- Action: map HS codes in your BOM to the notified list and renegotiate delivery terms (DDP/DDU) reflecting the duty impact.
4. Organic sugar exports permitted up to 50,000 tonnes yearly
DGFT has eased the export regime for organic sugar by allowing exports under a defined annual cap instead of tight case-by-case licensing uncertainty. This gives certified exporters clearer planning visibility and supports long-term buyer commitments. However, the ceiling means early movers may capture quota first—so documentation readiness matters.
- Annual export ceiling set at 50,000 tonnes of organic sugar per financial year.
- Organic sugar had been under a “restricted” category since 2023.
- Action: align shipment schedules with APEDA modalities (to be issued) and prepare traceability/certification packs for quick allotment.
5. Honey exporters get three-month extension on $1,400/MT floor price
The government has extended the minimum export price (MEP) condition for natural honey, continuing the pricing floor that blocks low-value shipments. This protects unit realisations but can reduce competitiveness for bulk/low-margin contracts. Exporters should revisit proforma invoices and ensure declared FOB values meet the threshold through March-end.
- MEP remains at USD 1,400 FOB per metric tonne for natural honey (HS 04090000).
- Validity extended from December 31, 2025 to March 31, 2026 via DGFT notification dated December 31, 2025.
- Action: audit all March 2026 shipments for FOB compliance and adjust product mix/pack sizes to maintain margin above the floor.
Next week, watch for additional DGFT clarifications (modalities and procedures) and any fast-moving trade actions linked to metals and energy imports.
Source: Economic Times