ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel Eyes Major Green Steel Pivot For Products By FY27

Despite global tariff uncertainties and dumping concerns surrounding India's domestic steel industry, AMNS India is confident of being the leader in the sunrise green steel industry.

Speaking to NDTV Profit, Ranjan Dhar, director and VP – sales and marketing at ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, said recent policy clarity from the government on green steel has set the stage for India's producers to align with international expectations.

“The confusion around the definition of green steel is now settled. This clarity benefits both producers and customers,” Dhar said. “We're in a strong position to qualify for a three-star green steel rating under the new taxonomy.”

The Green Steel Taxonomy, notified in December 2024, categorises steel based on emissions intensity. To qualify as green steel, the CO2 equivalent emissions intensity must be less than 2.2 tonnes of CO2e per tonne of finished steel. The company aims to make 70% of its output green by FY27. By then, its total production will also shoot up to 15 million tonnes per annum from the current 9 MTPA. Of the total figure, about 35-40% will be automotive focused, up from the current level of about 18%, Dhar said.

While the premium pricing for green steel is still evolving, Dhar said it will be “driven by the value customers derive from it.”

On US tariffs, Dhar noted that India's steel trade with the US is relatively small due to existing high duties. “We're in a wait-and-watch mode. We'll assess the situation once there's policy clarity — much like we did with green steel,” he said.

Addressing import-related concerns, Dhar said the industry is awaiting formal notification of the proposed safeguard duty. “Imports rose 20% last year. Prices are at multi-year lows. Relief is necessary for the industry to recover and reinvest,” he said. While the safeguard duty will be a first step, more measures may be needed depending on how trade barriers evolve.

AMNS' move comes a day after JSW Steel Ltd. officially announced significant plans to expand its green steel production capacity, by investing Rs 50,000–60,000 crore to develop a 10 million tonnes per annum green steel facility at its Salav unit in Raigad, Maharashtra. This initiative is aimed at producing low-carbon steel, primarily for export to the European Union, aligning with the EU's forthcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism regulations set to take effect in 2026.