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The state-controlled Steel Authority of India (Sail) expects to see pressure on domestic steel prices because of new export duties, with it looking to manage its costs by reducing coke rates given a rise in coking coal prices.
The company posted its highest crude steel production in the 2021-22 fiscal year ending 31 March at 17.4mn t, higher by 14pc from a year earlier, with saleable steel sales at 16.2mn t that were up by 8pc. Its exports accounted for about 8.6pc of total sales in 2021-22.
The Indian government on 21 May announced an increase in export duties on nine steel products to 15pc from zero, including pig iron, hot-rolled and cold-rolled products, but exempted semis.
"We have got certain orders and we are evaluating what to do about it," Sail said. "Our exports are comparatively less, so not much of an impact is expected because of this. But yes, the extra quantum which will come into the country will surely put some pressure on the prices," adding that is has an advantage as it exports a lot of semis.
Sail could also benefit from the policy, as if prices come down it can see higher demand and that can turn out to be "a silver lining in the cloud". But it also voiced scepticism regarding the timeline of the policy. "Whatever policies the government has introduced… they will last for the entire year, or they may come out with some stops for us. We really do not know."
Indian domestic hot-rolled coil dropped to 69,000 rupees/t ex-Mumbai on 20 May, down by 5pc from a year earlier, with sluggish demand.
Sail said it was too early to comment if the policy will defer its expansion plans, as in the short term it has only rehabilitation and debottlenecking plans. It will continue with investments in its current plans and assets.
India has also [imposed a 50pc export tax on all grades of iron ore]( https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2334026). This will bring down iron ore prices and will benefit Sail as it will reduce the royalties paid on the Indian Bureau of Mines rates, the company said.
Coking measures
The company expects coking coal costs to increase by 10-12pc in the April-June quarter of 2022-23. It is taking measures to bring down costs by improving operational efficiencies like reducing the coke rate by 1pc, replacing coke with coal dust injection by 12pc and reducing specific energy consumption by 2pc.
Argus premium hard low-volatile coking coal prices to India on a cfr east coast basis were at $541.80/t on 24 May, dropping by 22pc since hitting a record peak of $698/t on 11 March but still 234pc higher from a year earlier.
Sail is also trying to use a higher quantity of pulverised coal injection grade and soft coal in its operations and limit hard coal, which is a more expensive grade. This is to bring down costs and also increase domestic coking coal use by 2.5mn t, to reduce the proportion of imported coal to 86pc in 2022-23 from 88pc in 2021-22.
The company is trying to get some coking coal consignments on a trial basis from Russia, with it planning to buy more once payment and insurance issues are resolved with current sanctions.
argusmedia
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