Steel prices in India touched their lowest level in five years during 2025, despite strong domestic demand and supply, according to Tata Steel CEO and Managing Director T V Narendran. Speaking at a New Year celebration function, Narendran attributed the challenging market conditions to growing global trade disruptions and protectionist measures adopted by several countries.

Global Trade Challenges Impact Steel Industry

Narendran emphasized the increasing difficulty in international steel trade, noting that "more and more countries are protecting themselves to ensure materials do not flow easily across borders." This trend has created significant consequences for the global steel industry, affecting pricing dynamics and export opportunities.

The CEO highlighted China's economic slowdown, particularly in the steel-consuming construction sector, which led to a surge in Chinese steel exports for the second consecutive year. China has been exporting more than 100 million tonnes of steel, almost equivalent to India's total steel production capacity.

Domestic vs International Operations Performance

While Tata Steel's domestic operations were not significantly impacted by global challenges, the company's European business faced considerable pressure due to duties imposed on steel exports from Europe and the US. The excess supply in global markets made exports difficult for Indian producers despite surplus production capacity.

Despite these market challenges, Narendran noted that Tata Steel performed better financially than in previous years, as reflected in its quarterly performance reports. He credited the collaborative efforts between management and union leaders for addressing operational challenges effectively.

Expansion Plans and Capacity Enhancement

The CEO outlined Tata Steel's strategic focus on value addition rather than volume expansion at certain facilities. The Jamshedpur plant, with its 11 million tonnes capacity spread over 1,800 acres, has limited scope for further capacity expansion due to space constraints.

Major Investment Projects

Plant Capacity Updates

Tata Steel has significantly enhanced capacities across multiple facilities:

• Kalinganagar plant: Enhanced from 3 million tonnes to 8 million tonnes
• Meramandali plant: Currently operating at 5.20 million tonnes
• Neelachal plant: Expanding from 1 million tonnes to 4 million tonnes
• Ludhiana plant: Expected to commence operations from March

Market Outlook and Strategic Positioning

Despite current pricing pressures, Narendran expressed confidence in India's economic fundamentals, describing the country as "one of the largest and fastest-growing steel-consuming markets." He emphasized the need for both the country and individual companies to remain sensitive and prepared for global challenges.

The CEO's remarks underscore the complex dynamics facing India's steel industry, where strong domestic fundamentals are being tested by global trade tensions and competitive pressures from international markets. The focus on value-added products and capacity optimization reflects Tata Steel's strategic approach to navigating these challenging market conditions.

Tata Steel completed a major acquisition on December 31, 2025, purchasing shares worth ₹1,099.97 crore in its joint venture company. The transaction marks a significant corporate development as the steel major strengthens its position in the joint venture structure.

Tata Steel's Strategic Acquisition

The company acquired 43,29,90,000 shares of face value ₹10 each in Tata BlueScope Steel Private Limited from BlueScope Steel Asia Holdings Pty Ltd. The joint venture operates as a 50:50 partnership between Tata Steel Ltd through its wholly owned subsidiary Tata Steel Downstream Products Ltd and BlueScope Steel Ltd through BlueScope Steel Asia Holdings Pty Ltd.

Leadership Changes Across Companies

Take Solutions announced significant leadership transitions effective December 31. Vedamirtham Venkatesan resigned from dual roles as Whole Time Director and Chief Financial Officer due to personal commitments and other preoccupations. Additionally, Cecily Dheepa stepped down from her position as Non-Executive and Non-Independent Director.

Canara Robeco Asset Management Company Limited also witnessed a leadership change as K Satyanarayana Raju resigned from his positions as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director and Chairman, effective December 31, 2025, following his superannuation as Managing Director & CEO of Canara Bank.

Corporate Restructuring and Regulatory Updates

Sammaan Capital's board approved a comprehensive scheme involving the demerger of NBFC business from its wholly owned subsidiary Sammaan Finserve Limited. The restructuring aims to consolidate lending operations, simplify group structure, ensure regulatory compliance including surrender of SFL's NBFC licence, and facilitate the proposed $1-billion investment by Avenir/IHC.

RBL Bank provided updates on its foreign shareholding applications, stating that requests to temporarily cap foreign shareholding at 24% of total equity instruments were not approved by the Reserve Bank of India and Government of India under existing regulations. The bank continues engaging with regulators for remaining approvals.

Major Financial Settlements and Investments

Vodafone Idea secured approximately ₹5,836 crore from Vodafone Group under a revised liability claim settlement agreement. The arrangement includes ₹2,307 crore to be released over 12 months, with Vodafone Group setting aside 328 crore shares for Vi's benefit.

Landmark Cars approved ₹80 crore investment across three wholly owned subsidiaries through rights issues of Optionally Convertible Redeemable Preference Shares. Lineage Power Private Limited, a material subsidiary of Pace Digitek, received an advance purchase order worth ₹94.35 crore from Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.