What are the levels of self sufficiency in steel manufacturing in India?
Mathur: We are 100 per cent self sufficient in the manufacture of steel for the consumer durable sector. Even in the automotive sector, we are quality steel producers, and produce 50 per cent of the requirements of the automotive sector of the country. We can reach even 70 per cent if Maruti Udyog Limited takes it. They not only have limited tenders but are buying from the Japanese and will find some defect or other with steel produced by Indian producers. indiamarkets: What are your views on technology “dependence” in CR flat products resulting in imports? Mathur: I don’t see any technology gap. We have the latest technology and are at par with anyone else in the world. Our products compare well with the imported ones. indiamarkets: How do you compare domestic manufacturers (such as Tata Steel) vis-à-vis global players like Nippon Steel or British Steel with respect to CR steel? Mathur: Tata Steel can do what Nippon is doing. The problem is Indian consumers will go for the foreign bra
