Delhi High Court Upholds Import Curbs, Rejects JSW Steel and Trafigura's Appeals

The Delhi High Court has dismissed requests from JSW Steel and Trafigura to approve the clearance of specific shipments of low-ash metallurgical coke (met coke), reinforcing India’s recent policy restricting such imports.  

India implemented new import curbs in January, imposing country-specific quotas to support domestic met coke suppliers. The move has unsettled major steel producers, including ArcelorMittal Nippon India, who have expressed concerns about the quality and business impact of relying on local sources. 

Legal Challenge and Court Ruling 

JSW Steel contested the Indian government’s decision to block imports worth $90 million, arguing that these orders were placed before the new restrictions took effect. Meanwhile, Trafigura’s India unit sought legal clearance for one of its rejected shipments. 

However, in an order issued late Saturday, the Delhi High Court sided with the government, ruling that allowing these imports would undermine the intent of the new policy. Justice Sachin Datta noted that the companies were aware of the impending restrictions when placing their orders and that their requested imports exceeded the allotted quota. 

Industry Impact and Government Stand 

India’s imports of low-ash met coke have surged in the past four years. Under the new policy, total imports are capped at 1.4 million metric tons between January and June 2025. 

The restrictions have significant implications for India's steel sector, the world’s second-largest producer of crude steel. ArcelorMittal Nippon India has warned that it might have to scale down steel production and delay expansion plans due to difficulties in securing imported met coke. The company has also approached the Delhi High Court to seek clearance for shipments from Indonesia and Poland, though a ruling on its case is still pending. 

JSW Steel declined to comment on the court’s decision, while Trafigura has yet to respond. 

Conclusion 

With the court backing the government’s stance, steel manufacturers face increasing pressure to adapt to the new import policy. The ruling underscores India’s commitment to boosting domestic met coke production while challenging the industry’s reliance on imports. As legal battles continue, the long-term impact of these restrictions on steel production and market dynamics remains to be seen.