The Indian government levied a 12 percent provisional safeguard duty on some steel imports for 200 days to shield the domestic steel sector from an influx of cheap imports, mainly from China. The move is likely to give relief to domestic producers and bring back fair competition in the market.

The move comes after an investigation by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) determined that rising imports had inflicted serious injury to the domestic industry by eating into market share and profitability. The imposition of the safeguard duty has been viewed as a necessary move to safeguard the domestic steel industry from further damage.

Industry leaders such as JSW Steel, Tata Steel, and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India supported the government move, saying the measure will aid in stabilizing the market as well as preserving jobs in the steel industry.

This action joins India with other nations which have done the same to help shield their local industries from the negative impacts of cheap imports. The safeguard duty is also predicted to offer a temporary protection for Indian steel producers as they adapt to the new global trade situation.

The imposition of the safeguard duty would mean increased input expenses for downstream sectors like automotive, infrastructure, and renewable energy. But the government insists that these actions are necessary to ensure educational standards and students' interests.