NEW DELHI, July 5 Reuters India39;s finished steel purchases from China touched a sixyear high in the first two months of the fiscal year beginning in April, according to provisional government data reviewed by Reuters, while its overall imports reached a threeyear high.

In April and May, China emerged as the secondbiggest steel exporter to India, selling 0.2 million metric tons of the alloy, up 62 from the same period a year earlier.

Imports from China accounted for a quarter of India39;s finished steel imports during the period.

India imported 0.9 million metric tons of finished steel in April and May the highest since 2021 and up 27 from a year earlier, the data showed.

China, the world39;s top steel producer, exported mostly cold rolled coil or sheets to India.

Coldrolled coil or sheets constituted the bulk of India39;s imports in April and May, accounting for a 30 share in overall finished steel imports.

China is set to export the most steel this year since 2016, analysts said, as the weakening yuan and competitive prices help the world39;s biggest producer offload surplus metal due to weak demand at home.

India39;s federal steel ministry was considering imposing a countervailing duty on steel imports from China, Vivek Johri, chairman of the board of indirect taxes and customs, said last month.

During AprilMay, South Korea was the top exporter of finished steel to India, shipping out 0.4 million metric tons and accounting for 38 of India39;s overall…