PTI reported that Indian government has not come across any demand from domestic steel makers for removing steel from the purview of free trade agreements with Japan and South Korea or imposing ban on imports from the 2 countries.

Mr Anand Sharma Commerce and Industry Ministry informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply "No."

Mr Sharma was replying to a question whether indigenous steel makers have demanded the removal of countries like Japan, South Korea and China from the list of preferential Free Trade Agreement countries or for the imposition of ban on import of steel from these countries.

His answer is in contrast to demands made by leading steel makers like JSW Steel and Essar Steel. The 2 steel majors have sought removal of steel from the purview of FTAs with Japan and South Korea, while voicing concern on rising imports from the two Asian economic powers.