Indian steelmakers are hoping for a safeguard duty in 2026 as imported steel continues to pressure domestic prices. Producers argue that cheap imports are undercutting local mills and eroding the returns needed to fund capacity expansion; a duty would firm domestic realisations and, by extension, support demand for domestically produced inputs including ferro alloys. The industry is watching the government's trade-remedy process closely, since the timing and scope of any measure will shape pricing across the ferrous chain next year.