Exports of hot rolled coils by ISA members, which include majors like Essar, Jindal and state-owned SAIL, dipped 35 per cent to 6.4 million tonnes from 9.8 million tonnes in the corresponding period last fiscal.

Domestic sales rose 9 per cent to 3.5 million tonnes from 3.2 million tonnes in April-September 2003, while production grew four per cent to 6.6 million tonnes from 6.3 MT in the year ago period.

"Domestic industry has always been a priority for ISA. Our member countries have made conscious efforts to ensure that the demand supply ratio is beneficial for the domestic consumers," ISA president Moosa Raza said.

"Even though integrated steel producers can command a better price for their products in the international market, they have been giving priority to the local consumers. The sales, production and export figures of integrated steel producers validate this point," he said

However, Raza warned that such steep decline in exports could also dampen the industry's growth prospects in a global scenario.