India’s stainless-steel kitchenware imports nearly doubled in FY2025

India’s stainless-steel kitchenware imports, referred to here as SS kitchenware imports, reached 23.73 million units in FY2025 from 11.97 million units in FY2024. Import value rose to USD 39.61 million from USD 28.10 million, while China supplied USD 21.78 million, or 54.99%, of FY2025 import value.

How did India’s stainless-steel kitchenware imports change in FY2025?

SS kitchenware imports reached the highest value and volume in the FY2021-to-FY2025 series during FY2025. Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) data show that import value increased by USD 11.51 million, from USD 28.10 million in FY2024 to USD 39.61 million in FY2025. Import volume increased by 11.76 million units over the same period, reaching 23.73 million units in FY2025.

The FY2025 increase was greater in volume terms than in value terms. Volume rose by about 98% from FY2024's 11.97 million units, while import value rose by about 41% from USD 28.10 million. The comparison shows that the FY2025 increase involved a substantially larger number of imported units, rather than only a higher value for a stable volume of imports.

The five-year series shows that import volume did not rise steadily before FY2024. Volume declined from 9.22 million units in FY2021 to 5.54 million units in FY2022 and 5.50 million units in FY2023, before rising to 11.97 million units in FY2024 and 23.73 million units in FY2025. Import value moved differently, increasing each year from USD 20.07 million in FY2021 to USD 39.61 million in FY2025.

Which countries supplied SS kitchenware imports in FY2025?

China was the largest supplier of SS kitchenware imports in FY2025, accounting for 54.99% of the USD 39.61 million total. China supplied USD 21.78 million of products, more than twice Nepal's USD 10.16 million. The source links China's position to cost efficiencies, high-volume manufacturing capacity and a range covering decorative, premium-design and low-cost utility items.

Nepal was the second-largest supplier, contributing 25.65% of FY2025 import value, followed by Hong Kong at 5.23%, Italy at 2.63% and Vietnam at 2.50%. China and Nepal together accounted for 80.64% of import value, showing that the import flow was concentrated in two origins. The five named suppliers represented 90.99% of FY2025 import value, while other countries supplied USD 3.57 million, or 9.01%.

The source describes different roles for the major supplying markets. Nepal's USD 10.16 million flow is associated with cross-border trade convenience and integrated supply networks, while Hong Kong's USD 2.07 million is linked to its role as a trading and distribution hub. Italy's USD 1.04 million supply is described as serving specialised and premium cookware segments, and Vietnam's USD 0.99 million supply as including mid-range and value-engineered products.

How did SS kitchenware imports compare with India’s exports?

India exported substantially more SS kitchenware than it imported in FY2025. Export value was USD 422.62 million in FY2025, compared with import value of USD 39.61 million, a difference of USD 383.01 million. Export volume was reported as 164.42 thousand metric tonnes, while import volume was reported as 23.73 million units, so the two volume figures are not directly comparable.

Export value recovered from USD 401.40 million in FY2024 to USD 422.62 million in FY2025, but remained below the USD 464.00 million peak recorded in FY2022. Export volume rose from 154.72 thousand metric tonnes in FY2024 to 164.42 thousand metric tonnes in FY2025, although it remained below 177.31 thousand metric tonnes in FY2023. The export and import measures together show a large overseas market for Indian SS kitchenware alongside increased domestic sourcing from foreign suppliers.

Export destinations were less concentrated than import suppliers in FY2025. The United States was India's largest export market at USD 113.73 million, or 26.91% of exports, followed by the United Arab Emirates at USD 38.97 million, or 9.22%. In contrast, China alone represented 54.99% of SS kitchenware import value, making concentration more pronounced on the import-supplier side.

What does the FY2025 increase mean for domestic manufacturers?

The FY2025 data show that imported SS kitchenware increased in scale despite India's much larger export value. The source identifies demand for premium, design-led and specialised products as factors behind the increase in import value from USD 28.10 million in FY2024 to USD 39.61 million in FY2025. It also links the rise in volume from 11.97 million to 23.73 million units to retail expansion and diversified sourcing.

Competitive exposure differs by product segment, according to the source. Low-cost imports, particularly from China, are described as affecting mass-market manufacturers serving budget-conscious urban and rural consumers most directly. Mid-segment and premium brands face comparatively lower pressure where buyers prioritise durability, design and brand trust, while institutional purchasers may prefer domestic suppliers for consistent quality, safety compliance and delivery reliability.

Domestic producers also operate under product and packaging requirements. Food-contact-material regulation identifies food-grade 304 stainless steel as a typical material for corrosion resistance and non-reactivity, while the Bureau of Indian Standards specifies standards including IS 5522 for stainless-steel sheets used in cookware. Plastic Waste Management Rules and extended producer responsibility requirements apply to brands selling plastic kitchenware or packaging by requiring responsibility for plastic-waste management and recycling.

Conclusion

FY2025 marked a clear acceleration in SS kitchenware imports, with value reaching USD 39.61 million and volume reaching 23.73 million units. China’s 54.99% share and Nepal’s 25.65% share meant that two suppliers accounted for 80.64% of import value, even as India exported USD 422.62 million of SS kitchenware during the same financial year.

The unresolved issue is whether the FY2025 volume surge will persist after imports rose from 5.50 million units in FY2023 to 11.97 million units in FY2024 and then 23.73 million units in FY2025. A later DGFT update will also show whether China remains above a 50% share of import value and whether the supplier mix changes.