Aluminium producers seek parity in levies

KOLKATA: Aluminium imports climbed by a fifth in the first quarter to more than half a million tonnes after the imposition of US tariffs, with more such shipments likely, triggering a demand from local producers for protective levies.

The industry also wants preference for local aluminium in all government and Make in India projects, as with steel.

Indian aluminium production climbed 19% in Q1 of FY19 while consumption rose 11%. Yet share of imports in aluminium consumption has been increasing continuously.

In Q1, imports constituted a staggering 60% of domestic consumption, according to industry data. Its wide use in sensitive applications such as consumer durables and utensils can pose serious risk to the environment and health. The industry wants parity in taxes on scrap and primary aluminium.