The steel industry has agreed to supply micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the same rates as export price. A top government official gave this information on Tuesday. He also removed the concern that the protect fee levied on some import products would adversely affect small enterprises. On Monday, the government has imposed a 12 percent temporary protect (safeguard) fee for 200 days on steel products such as hot rolled coils, sheets and plates to protect domestic companies from cheap imports. The decision was taken after the recommendation of DGTR, the investigation branch of the Ministry of Commerce.
Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundric told reporters here on Tuesday, “As far as your question about MSME, the steel industry has already agreed that they will supply MSME on export equality values.” He said, “Steel Industry is interacting with EEPC (engineering export enrichment body) for export to MSME. They are talking. They have already implemented this system, so that the MSME does not affect the high price of steel. ”Export equity value is adjusted by the International Market Price, on which domestic producers sell steel in foreign markets keeping in mind the transportation and export cost.
By offering MSMEs internationally competitive rates, the government ensures that small manufacturers do not have to suffer prices due to policy interventions. The Secretary also said that the government has to ensure that all industries get fair price. It is common that some industries will criticize the decision of the center, as steel is not the final product and no consumer industry will like this decision. The secretary further said that two anti-dumping investigation is going on against China and Vietnam, the hearing has been completed and recommendations are expected soon.
(With agency input)
First Published – April 22, 2025 | 9:49 PM IST
