Steel makers push for exports as rural stress impacts domestic demand

Rural off-take has taken a hit due to increased spend on health and lower incomes

Primary steel producers are increasing their export volumes in the July-September quarter--usually a slack season for construction and industrial activity in the domestic market due to monsoons. Rural demand, however, is a concern despite predictions of a good monsoon.

“We have sufficient export orders and so our utilisation levels will remain close to 95 per cent in the July-September period. We are waiting for domestic demand to pick up and see no reason for sluggishness in the coming months. But, construction sites are yet to start and there is no pick up (in demand) so far,” V R Sharma, managing