Aluminium industry seeks higher import duties to enhance self-sufficiency
Steel

Aluminium industry seeks higher import duties to enhance self-sufficiency

The Aluminium Association of India (AAI) has submitted a pre-budget proposal to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which operates under India’s Ministry of Commerce. The proposal requests enhanced import protection to safeguard the domestic market and attract new investments, with the aim of making India self-sufficient in aluminium production—a sector crucial for national development and strategic applications. The AAI has proposed an increase in import duties on primary and downstream aluminium products, highlighting the metal’s significance in realizing India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Aluminium is essential to various sectors, including defence, aerospace, renewables, electric vehicles, power transmission, and sustainable infrastructure. Despite this, India’s per capita aluminium consumption is only 3 kg per annum, significantly lower than the global average of 12 kg. The AAI noted that higher aluminium usage is typical in advanced economies, citing that countries like the USA, Malaysia, and Indonesia recognize aluminium as a strategic sector.

In its representation, the AAI pointed out that imports of primary aluminium have doubled in recent years, along with a notable increase in low-quality scrap and downstream products, particularly from China.

The aluminium sector in India has already invested over Rs 1.5 trillion to expand production capacity to 4.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). However, to meet an anticipated domestic demand of 10 MTPA by 2030, the industry will require an additional investment of Rs 3 trillion over the next six years, which would generate significant employment opportunities within India.

Industry leaders have argued that the influx of imports is deterring new investments, primarily due to low import duties on primary and downstream products. This situation stands in stark contrast to other non-ferrous metals, where duties on scrap and primary products are more aligned. Consequently, the AAI has urged the central government to raise the import duty on primary and downstream products from the existing 7.5% to 10%, and to set the duty on aluminium scrap at 7.5% to match that of other aluminium products.

The Aluminium Association of India (AAI) has submitted a pre-budget proposal to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which operates under India’s Ministry of Commerce. The proposal requests enhanced import protection to safeguard the domestic market and attract new investments, with the aim of making India self-sufficient in aluminium production—a sector crucial for national development and strategic applications. The AAI has proposed an increase in import duties on primary and downstream aluminium products, highlighting the metal’s significance in realizing India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Aluminium is essential to various sectors, including defence, aerospace, renewables, electric vehicles, power transmission, and sustainable infrastructure. Despite this, India’s per capita aluminium consumption is only 3 kg per annum, significantly lower than the global average of 12 kg. The AAI noted that higher aluminium usage is typical in advanced economies, citing that countries like the USA, Malaysia, and Indonesia recognize aluminium as a strategic sector. In its representation, the AAI pointed out that imports of primary aluminium have doubled in recent years, along with a notable increase in low-quality scrap and downstream products, particularly from China. The aluminium sector in India has already invested over Rs 1.5 trillion to expand production capacity to 4.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). However, to meet an anticipated domestic demand of 10 MTPA by 2030, the industry will require an additional investment of Rs 3 trillion over the next six years, which would generate significant employment opportunities within India. Industry leaders have argued that the influx of imports is deterring new investments, primarily due to low import duties on primary and downstream products. This situation stands in stark contrast to other non-ferrous metals, where duties on scrap and primary products are more aligned. Consequently, the AAI has urged the central government to raise the import duty on primary and downstream products from the existing 7.5% to 10%, and to set the duty on aluminium scrap at 7.5% to match that of other aluminium products.

Next Story
Resources

Ajmera Realty launches tree drive on Environment Day

Ajmera Realty & Infra India marked World Environment Day with a large-scale tree plantation initiative—Plant-with-Purpose—across its projects in Mumbai and Bangalore. The drive was inaugurated at Ajmera Manhattan and Ajmera Greenfinity in Wadala, with senior company officials and residents in attendance. The campaign encourages residents to embrace eco-conscious, self-reliant lifestyles by growing useful plants and trees within their communities. Horticulture expert Devendra Bhekar guided residents on creating and maintaining green spaces. Ajmera Realty planted over 500 trees..

Next Story
Resources

Twaron®-reinforced tyre powers Brunel’s solar race car

Teijin Aramid’s Twaron® with circular content will debut in Bridgestone’s race tyres for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, supporting the Brunel Solar Team’s Nuna 13 car. This marks the first use of the recycled-content aramid in a high-performance race tyre. The Twaron®-reinforced belts help enhance durability, reduce rolling resistance, and maintain lightweight strength—critical for the 3,000-km solar race across Australia. Bridgestone combines this with ENLITENTM tech and other recycled inputs to maximise environmental and performance outcomes. Teijin Aramid, a..

Next Story
Building Material

Kamdhenu Paints launches new wood coating range

Kamdhenu Paints has launched a comprehensive premium wood coating range designed for both interior and exterior applications. The collection includes high-performance solutions like Kamwood 2K PU for a rich matt or high-gloss finish, Kamwood 1K PU for clarity and stain protection, and the Kamwood Melamyne system for a smooth, durable finish. Also featured are Kamwood Wood Stains, which enhance wood grains with vibrant colour, and NC Sanding Sealer for high-build grain filling. The range is supported by Kamwood Thinners for ease of application and optimal finish. Saurabh Agarwal, MD, ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?