The government is actively studying the issue of export duty which was imposed on certain grades of steel in May this year, Union steel minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Tuesday.

Indian Steel Association (ISA) had said India may lose export opportunities and the decision may also impact the overall economic activity. The matter is being discussed at the highest level, Scindia told reporters at the National Management Convention organised by the All India Management Association (AIMA) here.

“This is something which is under active study by my department as well as the government. When a decision is taken on this you shall be informed,” Scindia said.

When asked if he has written to the finance minister seeking removal of the duties, the minister replied: “I have written on a number of issues facing the steel industry. I will be in discussions with the finance ministry and based on the discussions the government will take a considered view on all those issues.”

On May 21, the government hiked the duty on exports of iron ore by up to 50 per cent and for a few steel intermediaries to 15 per cent. It also waived customs duty on the import of some raw materials, including coking coal and ferronickel. The move was aimed at increasing the availability of these raw materials for domestic manufactures.