The per capita consumption of steel has been a major concern for India since the mid-1990s. India has one of the lowest per capita steel consumption figures in the world, and the country is far behind the global average. This article will look at the reasons behind India’s low steel consumption and how it can be remedied.
Low Steel Consumption in India
India has the fifth-largest steel production in the world, but its per capita steel consumption is only 57 kilograms, which is much lower than the global average of 208 kilograms. This low per capita consumption is a major concern for the country, as it means India is missing out on the economic benefits of increased steel consumption.
Reasons Behind Low Per Capita Steel Consumption
There are several reasons behind India’s low per capita steel consumption. Firstly, India has a large informal sector, which does not use steel extensively. This means that the steel consumption is concentrated in the formal sector, which is much smaller than the informal sector. Secondly, India’s manufacturing sector is still relatively small and underdeveloped, which means that the demand for steel is not as high as it could be. Thirdly, India’s infrastructure is still relatively underdeveloped, which means that there is not enough demand for steel to drive up its consumption. Finally, India’s steel industry is still relatively inefficient, which means that it is not able to meet the current demand for steel.
India’s low per capita steel consumption is a major concern for the country, as it means that the country is missing out on the economic benefits of increased steel consumption. To remedy this, the country needs to focus on developing its infrastructure and manufacturing sector, as well as improving the efficiency of its steel industry. Only then will India be able to increase its steel consumption and reap the economic benefits.