The Indian government has announced the extension of qualitative restrictions on imports of low-ash metallurgical coke for an additional six months, according to an official notification issued by authorities.
The updated directive, which took effect on July 1, 2025, will remain valid through December 31, 2025. This represents a continuation of the previous restrictions that were set to expire on June 30, 2025.
The qualitative restrictions apply to imports fr0m eleven countries: Australia, China, Indonesia, Colombia, Japan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
During the July to December period, India has authorised a total import quota of 1,427,166 tons fr0m these designated countries.
Low-ash metallurgical coke serves as a critical raw material in steel manufacturing and various other industrial applications.
The specialised variant is particularly valued for its reduced ash content, which enhances its effectiveness in metallurgical processes.
In a separate but related development, the government has also extended the minimum import price requirement for soda ash through the end of 2025.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade confirmed that the minimum import price of Rs 20,108 per ton for disodium carbonate, commonly known as soda ash, will continue until December 31, 2025.
This minimum import price mechanism was initially implemented in December of the previous year.
Soda ash plays an essential role across multiple industries, serving as a key component in glass manufacturing, detergent production, and various chemical processes.
The extension of both trade measures reflects the government’s continued focus on regulating critical industrial raw material imports while supporting domestic manufacturing sectors.
