ALEMAI president Jitendra Chopra calls for policy safeguards as Alumex India showcases domestic aluminium capabilities

India’s aluminium industry is under growing pressure from low-cost imports and free trade agreements, prompting calls for stronger policy support and strategic prioritisation of domestic micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Speaking to BW Businessworld, Jitendra Chopra, President of the Aluminium Extruders’ Manufacturers Association of India (ALEMAI), said the sector is ready to demonstrate its full potential. Alumex India, the country’s first dedicated aluminium extrusion exhibition, currently underway at Pragati Maidan, features more than 200 exhibitors and is expected to attract 25,000 business visitors.

“Everything that is imported is already being produced in India. This is our clear message to the government and the industry,” Chopra said. The four-day exhibition focuses on aluminium extrusion, with plans to gradually include rolled products, wire rods and auto castings.

Trade And Policy Concerns

Chopra expressed concern over the impact of free trade agreements with countries including Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and the UAE. “Imports are coming in at zero duty, and factories are being set up abroad, sometimes with Chinese participation. This hurts India’s MSMEs the most,” he said.

ALEMAI has requested that the government include the aluminium sector under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme and introduce safeguards against underpriced imports. “The government must prioritise MSMEs and downstream industries. Value-added products should be recognised as strategically important, not only for employment but also for enabling 10-12 related industries to grow with us,” Chopra added.

Growth Prospects

Despite trade pressures, Chopra remains optimistic. “The electric vehicle sector, renewable energy, housing and construction are poised to drive significant growth over the next 10-15 years. We are seeing about 8 per cent growth in this industry,” he said.

ALEMAI estimates that the sector provides 4-5 lakh direct jobs, with downstream industries creating additional employment opportunities.
Chopra also highlighted the sector’s environmental credentials. “We are recyclers. We use as little energy as possible and contribute to cleaning the country. Aluminium recycling does not harm the climate,” he said. With global demand for low-carbon and recyclable materials on the rise, India’s recycling-driven aluminium industry could gain a competitive advantage in international markets.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Chopra said Alumex India is the first step toward a larger platform for India’s aluminium ecosystem. He called for raw materials at competitive prices and policy support to strengthen the sector’s position.

“The goal is to build an ecosystem where aluminium and related industries grow together, generate employment and reduce import dependence. This exhibition is a starting point to showcase India’s capability,” he said.

Despite being the world’s second-largest producer of aluminium, India’s per capita consumption remains low. In 2023, India produced 4.1 million tonnes of primary aluminium, accounting for 6 per cent of global production. However, its per capita aluminium consumption was just 3.1 kg, significantly lower than the global average of 11 kg and China’s 31.7 kg. This gap highlights the potential for growth in domestic consumption as infrastructure and industrial demand increases.