As steel capacity and domestic demand rise sharply, Build Connect 2026 will spotlight trade-led distribution, MSME dealers, and modern networks critical to sustaining India’s construction-driven growth story.
New Delhi | January 15, 2026
India’s steel and construction materials industry is moving into a high-growth phase, backed by expanding production capacity and consistent domestic demand from infrastructure and housing projects. Industry estimates indicate that steel output has already crossed 160 million tonnes in calendar year 2025, while installed capacity is projected to approach 300 million tonnes by the end of the decade. Cement capacity is also witnessing steady expansion, in line with the country’s development push.
With manufacturing capacities scaling up rapidly, industry attention is now shifting towards ensuring that this increased output reaches markets efficiently. Trade-led distribution—driven by dealers, distributors, stockists, and yards—has emerged as a key pillar in this transition.
According to BigMint, India’s finished steel consumption in FY26 stood at about 162 million tonnes, nearly 50 million tonnes of which was supplied through trade-based channels, largely operated by MSMEs. By 2030, overall steel demand is expected to rise to nearly 210 million tonnes, while trade-led distribution could expand to around 70 million tonnes annually. This growth is being propelled by deeper reach into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, a growing preference for value-added steel products, and gradual upgrades in dealer and distributor infrastructure.
These trends were discussed at a curtain-raiser press conference held at the Press Club of India, where industry leaders formally announced Build Connect 2026—a national expo and conference aimed at strengthening India’s dealer–distributor ecosystem for steel and construction materials.
Distribution Driving Growth
Speakers at the event underlined that as volumes rise and product portfolios become more specialised, distribution efficiency, geographic penetration, and operational preparedness are becoming decisive factors for sustainable growth. BigMint estimates that steel and construction material worth nearly ₹3.5 lakh crore flows annually through dealer–distributor networks, highlighting the need for better access to organised finance, improved liquidity management, and smarter inventory systems.
About Build Connect 2026
Build Connect 2026 has been positioned as a first-of-its-kind national platform that will bring together dealers and distributors, manufacturers and mills, EPC companies, architects, financial institutions, and technology providers. The event aims to promote pan-India networking, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, while offering insights into value-added products, digital solutions, and structured financing tailored to the evolving trade ecosystem.
The two-day event is expected to attract over 300 distributors and more than 3,000 MSME-level dealers, reflecting the scale and diversity of India’s trade-led supply chain.
Industry Voices
Kamal Goel, Chairman of the Amba Shakti Group, said that as steel capacities expand and manufacturers focus on higher-value products, a strong and future-ready distribution network will be essential for effective market adoption across regions.
Sumit Agrawal, CMO of BigMint and organiser of Build Connect 2026, noted that India’s growing production base presents a timely opportunity to modernise and reinforce the distribution backbone alongside capacity expansion.
Amit Gupta, President of the Akhil Bhartiya Loha Vyapar Sangh (ABLVS), added that a national platform like Build Connect can help MSME dealers and distributors gain visibility, exchange best practices, and prepare for the next phase of industry growth.
Build Connect 2026 is scheduled to be held on February 19–20, 2026, at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
