Uzbekistan is actively pursuing steel imports from India as a strategic cost-reduction measure for the landlocked Central Asian nation. According to reports from Business Standard, the country imports approximately 1 million tonnes of steel annually, including TMT bars, primarily from China. The logistics costs from China to Uzbekistan via sea route are as high as $100 per tonne in addition to the actual steel cost, making the alternative route from India particularly attractive. An industry official confirmed that Uzbekistan is keen to import steel from India via a shorter, alternative route to significantly lower its logistics costs.
The Uzbekistan Metallurgy Association has established a formal partnership with the Indian Steel Association (ISA) to facilitate this trade initiative. As reported by Business Standard, the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two associations will focus on manufacturing, technology, environment, sustainable growth, and logistics to facilitate interaction between steel industries of both countries. The partnership aims to advance mutual understanding and cooperation in the steel sector, with both associations working towards manufacturing, technology, environment, sustainable growth, and logistics to facilitate interaction for the purpose of advancing mutual understanding among the steel industries of India and Uzbekistan.
Tamil Nadu is developing a comprehensive State Maritime and Waterways Master Plan to enhance port connectivity and reduce logistics costs. According to the Highways and Minor Ports Department's Policy Note 2026-27, the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board has submitted the proposal to the Government of India seeking funding assistance. During 2025-26, the State's ports handled 1.13 crore metric tonnes of cargo, while the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board generated gross revenue of ₹61 crore. The plan focuses on strengthening connectivity between ports and wider road and rail networks, with development based on individual port potential, cargo requirements, and technical feasibility considerations.
The development aligns with India's government encouragement for steel players to expand into new markets to increase steel exports. According to market research firm BigMint, India's total steel exports reached 9.1 million tonnes in 2025-26. The major export destinations include the European Union, Vietnam, and the Middle East, specifically the UAE. India maintains its position as the world's second-largest steel producer, making it a significant player in global steel markets.
The Indian Steel Association (ISA) serves as the steel sector's policy advocacy body, representing major steel producers including Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Jindal Steel and AMNS India. As reported by Business Standard, this partnership between the Uzbekistan Metallurgy Association and the Indian Steel Association represents a formal framework for advancing bilateral steel trade and cooperation between the two nations, with the ISA being the steel sector's policy advocacy body whose members include major steel producers such as Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Jindal Steel and AMNS India.
