At an exclusive interview with Mr Jitendra Chopra, President of ALEMAI, he has pointed out that enhancing domestic consumption is the way forward for the Indian aluminium extrusion industry to grow and offset the pressures created by external tariffs. He believes that India Government should reiterate and take strong measures agaisnt the tariffs and cheap imports to safeguard its 250 aluminium extrusion manufacturers. Mr Chopra has also highlighted that India's aluminium extrusion industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8%, revealing the key drivers. 

Read the full interview here:

AL Circle: What is your outlook on the growth of aluminium extrusion demand in India? Which key industries do you expect will drive this growth in the coming years?

Jitendra Chopra: India is fast emerging as a major hub for the aluminium extrusion industry. With a current production capacity of around 3 million tonnes, the sector is projected to expand at a robust CAGR of 8 per cent. Renewable energy, electric vehicle, infrastructure, and building & construction sectors are the main industries to drive the demand for aluminium extrusions in India.

AL Circle: You once mentioned: “By voluntarily implementing BIS certification, we are taking responsibility for raising product quality and reducing our reliance on low-cost imports.” Has this step proved effective in improving quality and boosting the competitiveness of domestic products?

Jitendra Chopra: Definitely, BIS certification is the best way to ensure quality production of aluminium extrusions. BIS regulations prohibit the use of certain dangerous chemicals and materials in products, reducing environmental risks and health hazards and ensuring product quality by requiring adherence to established Indian Standards during manufacturing, conducting rigorous sample testing in BIS-approved laboratories, and conducting periodic audits and surveillance to maintain compliance over time.

AL Circle: ALEMAI has urged for tariffs on low-quality aluminium extrusion imports under FTAs to protect domestic players. Do you foresee such tariffs being introduced anytime soon?

Jitendra Chopra: We don’t know when the Indian Government will introduce tariffs on low-quality aluminium extrusion imports under FTAs, but it is the need of the hour for sure. ALEMAI has been pursuing for years now, yet no concrete outcome has been achieved.

India has had an FTA with ASEAN nations since 2010, under which tariffs on over 90 per cent of traded products have been phased out. More recently, a trade pact was signed with the United Kingdom. While these agreements may benefit large aluminium producers, they have created significant challenges for MSMEs. The Indian market today is flooded with cheap imports, largely enabled by duty-free access, price disparities, and concessions under multiple HSN codes.

Despite having a domestic aluminium extrusion capacity of 3 million tonnes, India utilises only 1.2 to 1.3 million tonnes. In contrast, imports account for nearly 1.5 million tonnes, which indicates how foreign competition is undercutting local production. If the government were to restrict such imports, the domestic sector could ramp up capacity and stimulate greater consumption of value-added products within the country.

This issue sits at odds with the government’s ‘Make in India’ vision. With more than 250 aluminium extrusion plants at risk due to cheap imports, safeguarding the domestic industry is critical. India’s aluminium consumption also highlights the urgent need for policy intervention: per capita consumption stands at just 3–4 kg, compared to 28 kg in China and 15–18 kg in the United States. Strengthening domestic production and limiting unfair import competition could play a pivotal role in bridging this gap and ensuring the long-term sustainability of India’s aluminium extrusion industry.

AL Circle: With the US imposing 50% tariff on Indian aluminium extrusions, what impact does it have on India’s export volumes?

Jitendra Chopra: Around 20 to 25 Indian manufacturers export aluminium extrusions to the United States and other global markets, but the impact of the 50 per cent US tariff is more than moderate. In such a scenario, when India is already grappling with both tariff barriers abroad and a surge of cheap imports at home, there is a strong case for the government to respond with firmer policy measures.

The long-term growth of India’s aluminium extrusion industry ultimately depends on strengthening domestic consumption. By boosting local demand, the industry can achieve economies of scale, improve cost competitiveness, and effectively offset the pressures created by external tariffs.

AL Circle: India has become a major hub for aluminium extrusion. Could you walk us through the journey that led to this growth?

Jitendra Chopra: India’s growth in aluminium extrusion industry hasn’t happened overnight. Over the years, the sector has grown to generate employment for nearly 3 to 4 lakh people, both directly and indirectly. Its influence stretches across multiple industries—supporting businesses ranging from door and window manufacturing to kitchenware production—underscoring the versatility of aluminium extrusions.

This growth has been further fuelled by rising demand for lightweight and sustainable materials, particularly in the automotive, building & construction, and renewable energy sectors. As a result, aluminium extrusions have become integral to India’s push for modernisation and sustainability. Today, the industry contributes close to INR 1 billion to the domestic economy, reinforcing its importance as both an economic driver and an enabler of industrial progress.

AL Circle: What new business avenues or collaborations do you expect ALUMEX India 2025 to unlock for the aluminium extrusion industry?

Jitendra Chopra: For the first time ever, Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturers Association of India, is hosting an event ‘ALUMEX India 2025’ in the capital city of India on September 10-13, 2025, bringing together all the extrusion companies under one roof. With the growing aluminium extrusion market in India, we felt offering a common platform to extruders was of utmost importance. We believe this event will not only strengthen the domestic ecosystem but also to connect it with the global aluminium fraternity.

We are exploring this new avenue of business growth and we are already delighted to see the enthusiasm from the extruders and allied industries. More than 200 exhibitors have booked their stalls at ALUMEX India 2025 and 500 visitors have registered. We are ready to welcome all and make this event a memorable one for the Indian aluminium industry.

AL Circle: How is the aluminium extrusion sector in India progressing towards net-zero targets? What initiatives have been taken so far to reduce carbon emissions?

Jitendra Chopra: The Indian aluminium extrusion industry is known for following sustainability practices. More than 75 per cent aluminium is recycled and 80 per cent used metal is in application through the industry.

AL Circle: To what extent does the Indian aluminium extrusion industry depend on renewable energy for its power needs?

Jitendra Chopra: The Indian aluminium industry uses 20-25 per cent of renewable energy for production.

AL Circle: To what extent are digitalisation and automation shaping the Indian aluminium extrusion industry, and how are they influencing efficiency and competitiveness?

Jitendra Chopra: Our industry is advanced in digitalisation and automation. 40 per cent of our production processes are automised.