The Aluminium Secondary Manufacturers Association (ASMA) has urged the government to remove customs duty on imports of primary aluminium and aluminium scrap, saying the move would help improve the competitiveness of India’s downstream aluminium industry.
According to the industry body, reducing or eliminating import duties would lower raw material costs for manufacturers, ensuring a steady supply of essential inputs for secondary aluminium production. ASMA said the measure would support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), enhance manufacturing efficiency, and strengthen India’s position in the global aluminium value chain.
The association noted that aluminium scrap is a vital raw material for recycling and secondary production, which consumes significantly less energy than primary aluminium manufacturing. It argued that duty relief would encourage greater recycling, reduce production costs, and contribute to the country’s sustainability and circular economy goals.
Industry stakeholders believe that a duty waiver could benefit sectors such as automobiles, construction, electrical equipment, packaging, and consumer goods by improving the availability of competitively priced aluminium products.
The government is expected to examine the industry’s proposal while balancing the interests of domestic producers, downstream manufacturers, and broader economic objectives.