
JSW Steel shines on favourable prices, higher volume projections
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. JSW Steel Ltd is poised to improve its near-term profitability from the lows of the December quarter (Q3FY25), aided by multiple factors such as improved realisation thanks to the proposed safeguard duty by the directorate general of trade remedies (DGTR), lower raw material costs, and higher volumes amid robust domestic demand.
Investors’ optimism is reflected in the company’s shares, which have gained 18% so far in 2025, making JSW the most valuable steel company in the world. In comparison, Tata Steel Ltd and Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) have gained 12% and 1%, respectively, while Jindal Steel & Power Ltd is down 2% this year.
The steel industry has been grappling with a sharp rise in imports that have hurt domestic prices meaningfully, especially for flat products, which comprise 95% of imports. The DGTR recommendation for a 12% safeguard duty on steel imports for 200 days has a greater impact on JSW since flat products account for three-fourths of its sales.
Recall that a 20% safeguard duty was imposed in FY16 to reduce the impact of a similar surge in imports. Also read: Wipro’s mega deal win ushers confidence, but it has a long way to go The company hiked prices of its flat products in January in anticipation of the duty recommendation, with others following suit.
According to a Nomura Global Market Research report, domestic flat products are currently priced at a premium of ₹1,700 per tonne against Chinese imports but would become cheaper by about ₹4,000 after the 12% safeguard duty, creating room for more price hikes. JSW also stands to gain from softer input costs with NMDC reducing iron ore prices by up to 6.5% in January, as it procures a significant amount from the
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