New Delhi, March 21 -- Shares of steel producers such as SAIL Ltd, Tata Steel Ltd, and JSW Steel Ltd are in focus after the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) recommended a safeguard duty on steel imports amid rising global protectionism. The DGTR's proposal, submitted to the finance ministry, suggests a 12% duty on most steel grades for 200 days, with exemptions for imports priced above $675 per tonne for hot-rolled coil (HRC), $824 per tonne for cold-rolled coil (CRC), and $964 per tonne for coated steel.

The recent rally in steel stocks suggests that investors are already pricing in the potential benefits of the duty on steelmakers' earnings. However, the finance ministry has yet to approve the recommendation. If implemented...