Vedanta Aluminium Hails India–UK CETA as Transformative for Aluminium Trade

14 Aug 2025 CW Team

Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, and Rajesh Kumar, CEO of BALCO (a Vedanta Aluminium company), represented the Aluminium Association of India (AAI) at a webinar hosted by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. The session, chaired by VL Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, brought together representatives from leading industry bodies including the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI), Aluminium Secondary Manufacturers Association (ASMA), and Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI).

The India–UK CETA will see India reduce tariffs on 90 per cent of UK goods and the UK extend zero-duty access to 99 per cent of Indian exports, aiming to double bilateral trade from $56 billion to $112 billion by 2030. For the aluminium sector, this translates into:

Zero-duty export access for nearly all Indian aluminium products, boosting “Make in India” initiatives.
Reduced trade barriers and stronger market penetration in the UK.
Collaboration opportunities in advanced mining practices and technologies.

Highlighting the sector’s potential, Rajiv Kumar noted that India currently produces 4.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of primary aluminium, exporting 1.6 MTPA of upstream aluminium, while the UK produces none and relies entirely on imports. He stressed the need to leverage CETA for R&D partnerships and product competitiveness.

However, he also flagged risks from the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), set to take effect in January 2027, which could impose duties exceeding 80% based on Scope 2 emissions—undermining the zero-duty advantage.

“The India–UK CETA is a pathbreaking agreement that unlocks unprecedented export opportunities for Indian aluminium. As global demand for aluminium is set to rise 37 per cent by 2040, driven by electric vehicles, renewable energy, and infrastructure, India is strategically positioned to be a key supplier to the UK market,” said Kumar.

VL Kantha Rao assured continued government support, including Indian Embassy-led roadshows in the UK, to promote Indian aluminium and strengthen industry-government collaboration.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has welcomed the signing of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), calling it a gamechanger for the aluminium industry and a milestone in bilateral trade relations.Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, and Rajesh Kumar, CEO of BALCO (a Vedanta Aluminium company), represented the Aluminium Association of India (AAI) at a webinar hosted by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. The session, chaired by VL Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, brought together representatives from leading industry bodies including the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI), Aluminium Secondary Manufacturers Association (ASMA), and Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI).The India–UK CETA will see India reduce tariffs on 90 per cent of UK goods and the UK extend zero-duty access to 99 per cent of Indian exports, aiming to double bilateral trade from $56 billion to $112 billion by 2030. For the aluminium sector, this translates into:Zero-duty export access for nearly all Indian aluminium products, boosting “Make in India” initiatives.Reduced trade barriers and stronger market penetration in the UK.Collaboration opportunities in advanced mining practices and technologies.Highlighting the sector’s potential, Rajiv Kumar noted that India currently produces 4.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of primary aluminium, exporting 1.6 MTPA of upstream aluminium, while the UK produces none and relies entirely on imports. He stressed the need to leverage CETA for R&D partnerships and product competitiveness.However, he also flagged risks from the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), set to take effect in January 2027, which could impose duties exceeding 80% based on Scope 2 emissions—undermining the zero-duty advantage.“The India–UK CETA is a pathbreaking agreement that unlocks unprecedented export opportunities for Indian aluminium. As global demand for aluminium is set to rise 37 per cent by 2040, driven by electric vehicles, renewable energy, and infrastructure, India is strategically positioned to be a key supplier to the UK market,” said Kumar.VL Kantha Rao assured continued government support, including Indian Embassy-led roadshows in the UK, to promote Indian aluminium and strengthen industry-government collaboration.

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Jul 2026

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..