Uzbekistan keen to import steel from India to cut logistics costs
The country is keen to import steel from India via a shorter, alternative route; It would lower its logistics cost, the industry member said
Uzbekistan is interested in importing steel from India to reduce its costly logistics expenses, according to an industry official. The Central Asian nation currently imports approximately 1 million tonnes of steel, including TMT bars, from China. However, the logistics cost from China to Uzbekistan via sea route is a staggering $100 per tonne, along with the actual steel cost.
Uzbekistan is eager to utilize an alternative, shorter route to import steel, which would significantly lower its logistics expenses. The Uzbekistan Metallurgy Association has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Steel Association (ISA) to collaborate on manufacturing, technology, environment, sustainable growth, and logistics.
This development is particularly significant as the Uzbek government has been encouraging Indian steel companies to expand into new markets to boost steel exports. India is the world's second-largest steel producer, with India's total steel exports reaching 9.1 million tonnes (MT) in 2025-26, primarily to the European Union, Vietnam, and the Middle East, particularly the UAE.
The Indian Steel Association (ISA) serves as the policy advocacy body for the steel sector, representing major steel producers like Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Jindal Steel, and AMNS India.
Written by urgent.news from Hindu BusinessLine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
