Activity in the steel trade market in India has slowed significantly as buyers hold back from stocking up on materials on expectations of prices dropping. The trade market, consisting of dealers and sub-dealers of primary steel mills, accounts for a quarter of the overall steel consumption in the country. Major players like JSW Steel and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India have cut prices by Rs 2,000 per tonne and Rs 2,500 per tonne respectively, while other steel mills are expected to follow. This follows a hike in list price in April, which resulted in a lower takeoff in the trade market and contributed to inventory accumulating with mills.