Mining industry urges Centre to hike import duties
COAL & MINING

Mining industry urges Centre to hike import duties

India's mining industry has demanded higher import taxes on metals such as zinc, copper and aluminium to help halt a tide of cheaper imports, especially from China. The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) has addressed a note to the Finance Ministry saying the government should raise import taxes to 10%-15% on several aluminium products, including scrap to 10% from 2.5%.

India is the world's third-biggest primary aluminium producer. Its aluminium producers are expected to raise their combined production capacity to 4.6 million tonnes in the next two years, up from 4.1 million tonnes now.

During the fiscal year to March 2023, India's aluminium demand is expected to reach 4.2 million tonnes. It imported 2.3 million tonnes of aluminium in the previous fiscal year.

“The major threat of imports is from China, which constitutes over 85% share of downstream aluminium imports,” FIMI said in the note to the ministry as it prepares the 2023/24 Union Budget, due to be announced in February. The federation said most metal scrap imports were coming from Britain, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.

The FIMI also urged government to raise import taxes on intermediate and finished goods of copper and zinc ingots to 7.5% from 5%.

FIMI also reiterated its demand to scrap an export tax on low-grade iron ore lumps and fines - with iron content below 58%. The tax was raised to 50% from zero in May.

See also:
214 mineral blocks have been sold since 2015 says government
Illegal mining in Dadam; NGT slaps fine of Rs 660 mn


India's mining industry has demanded higher import taxes on metals such as zinc, copper and aluminium to help halt a tide of cheaper imports, especially from China. The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) has addressed a note to the Finance Ministry saying the government should raise import taxes to 10%-15% on several aluminium products, including scrap to 10% from 2.5%. India is the world's third-biggest primary aluminium producer. Its aluminium producers are expected to raise their combined production capacity to 4.6 million tonnes in the next two years, up from 4.1 million tonnes now. During the fiscal year to March 2023, India's aluminium demand is expected to reach 4.2 million tonnes. It imported 2.3 million tonnes of aluminium in the previous fiscal year. “The major threat of imports is from China, which constitutes over 85% share of downstream aluminium imports,” FIMI said in the note to the ministry as it prepares the 2023/24 Union Budget, due to be announced in February. The federation said most metal scrap imports were coming from Britain, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. The FIMI also urged government to raise import taxes on intermediate and finished goods of copper and zinc ingots to 7.5% from 5%. FIMI also reiterated its demand to scrap an export tax on low-grade iron ore lumps and fines - with iron content below 58%. The tax was raised to 50% from zero in May. See also: 214 mineral blocks have been sold since 2015 says governmentIllegal mining in Dadam; NGT slaps fine of Rs 660 mn

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Digital Economy, Renewable Energy to Boost Job Creation: Economic Survey

The Economic Survey 2024-25, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, indicates substantial improvement in India’s labour market, driven by strong post-pandemic recovery and formalisation of the workforce. Key findings include a significant drop in the unemployment rate from 6 per cent in 2017-18 to 3.2 per cent in 2023-24. Additionally, there has been notable growth in female labour force participation, which increased from 23.3 per cent in 2017-18 to 41.7 per cent in 2023-24.Other highlights include:Over 30.51 crore unorganised workers registered on the eShram portal, suppor..

Next Story
Real Estate

Aditya Birla Housing Finance Secures Rs 8.3 Billion from IFC

Aditya Birla Housing Finance Ltd. (ABHFL), a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital, has raised Rs 8.3 billion through non-convertible debentures (NCDs) from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The company stated that the funds will be used to provide housing loans to low- and middle-income groups (LIG and MIG), with a special focus on promoting homeownership among women. Additionally, a portion of the investment will support MSMEs, particularly women-led enterprises, to drive economic growth. The initiative aims to strengthen financial inclusion and uplift underserved communities in the ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Bihar to Bid Out 2,400 MW Power Plant by March

The Bihar government plans to auction the proposed 2,400 MW coal-based power plant at Pirpainti by March 2025. Part of the state's FY25 budget initiatives, the project is valued at Rs 214 billion, covering multiple power sector developments. Coal for the plant is expected to come from Eastern Coalfields, with fuel and location already determined to streamline the bidding process. Discussions are underway to finalise coal supply under the SHAKTI scheme, with a resolution expected by February. The Central government has also pledged support for fast-tracking environmental clearances to facilit..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000