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.

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.

Infrastructure Urban

04 May 2026

Jyoti Structures FY26 profit rises 56.5%

Jyoti Structures (JSL) recently reported strong financial results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2026, driven by disciplined execution, cost management and steady progress across its order book.For Q4 FY2025-26, total income rose 44.2 per cent to Rs 2.41 billion from Rs 1.67 billion in Q4 FY2024-25. EBITDA increased 58.6 per cent to Rs 237 million, while EBITDA margin improved by 89 basis points to 9.84 per cent. Profit before tax grew 53.3 per cent to Rs 188.5 million, and net profit rose 51.9 per cent to Rs 181.4 million.For FY2025-26, total income grew 53.1 per cent to Rs 7.72 bill..

Infrastructure Energy

04 May 2026

Cat BEPU to Power Doppstadt Separator at IFAT 2026

Caterpillar’s Cat Battery Electric Power Unit (BEPU) has been selected by Doppstadt to power its SWS 6 Spiral Shaft Separator, which will be showcased for the first time at IFAT 2026 in Munich, Germany, from 4–7 May.The compact plug-and-play BEPU is designed to replace a diesel engine within the same space, using the same mounting locations and relative machine position. It integrates the battery, motor, inverter, onboard charging, cooling and controls, enabling OEMs to electrify existing chassis platforms without extensive redesign.Caterpillar and Cat dealer Zeppelin Power Systems have be..

Infrastructure Urban

04 May 2026

VECV sales rise 6.9% in April 2026

VE Commercial Vehicles, a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, recorded sales of 7,318 units in April 2026, compared to 6,846 units in April 2025, registering 6.9 per cent growth. The total included 7,159 units under the Eicher brand and 159 units under the Volvo brand.Eicher branded trucks and buses reported sales of 7,159 units during the month, up 6.6 per cent from 6,717 units in April 2025. In the domestic commercial vehicle market, Eicher sales rose 8.6 per cent to 6,797 units from 6,257 units a year earlier.Exports declined 21.3 per cent, with VECV recording 362 units in ..