India’s aluminium industry is under pressure as cheaper plastic alternatives like UPVC products replace aluminium in many uses. The industry body Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturers Association of India (ALEMAI) has urged the government to step in, encourage more domestic aluminium consumption, and safeguard the interests of small manufacturers.
“Aluminium products, including window frames, kitchen items, doors, roofs, and automotive parts, are being replaced by UPVC at an alarming rate,” said Jitendra Chopra, president of ALEMAI. He also added that government-backed promotion of UPVC is derived from crude oil. It contradicts India’s Paris Agreement commitments on cutting emissions.
India’s aluminium extrusion industry has the capacity to produce 3 million tonnes annually but currently operates at just 40 per cent. Imports of over 1.5 million tonnes, largely enabled by Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concessions and duty-free value-added products, continue to suppress local production. Chopra warned, “Unless safeguards are introduced for the aluminium extrusion sector, MSMEs will continue to face severe existential challenges.”
India’s per capita aluminium consumption remains among the lowest in the world, at around 4 kg, compared with 25 kg in China and 18 kg in the US. Promoting domestic usage across sectors, especially in construction, automotive and renewable energy could raise activity in the sector while achieving sustainability objectives.
Mr Chopra pointed out that India has ample opportunities to boost aluminium consumption. From the construction industry that creates demand for aluminium doors, windows, facades, and structural application to the automotive sector that is driving the shift towards lightweight materials is expected to boost the consumption of extruded aluminium in the future.
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