Question : Import and Price of Aluminium

a) whether share of domestic production and consumption of aluminium has dropped drastically in recent times, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
b) whether the cheaper import of aluminium and its decreasing price at international level has been affecting the domestic aluminium industry and if so, the details thereof;
c) whether the Aluminium Association of India has requested the Government to increase import duty on aluminium metal and its scrap and if so, the details thereof; and
d) the reaction of the Government thereto along with the other corrective measures taken/being taken by Government to save the domestic aluminium industry?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a) Production of Aluminium, Export and Imports of Aluminium and Aluminium Products are given below:-
(value in lakh tonnes)

Year 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Production 17.20 17.23 20.47
Export 5.16 5.75 7.14
Import 11.20 13.37 11.20
Source: Production figures- Ministry of Mines; Export/Import figures – DGCI&S

(b) The import of aluminium scrap and decreasing price of aluminium in international market have an adverse impact on aluminium industry.

(c) & (d) The representation received from Aluminium Association of India has requested for increasing basic custom duty on aluminium products from 5% to 10% and to increase basic custom duty on aluminium scrap to bring it at par with the duty on primary metal. The same has been sent to Department of Revenue for necessary action. Earlier requests were examined by Department of Revenue as part of the Budget 2015-16 and had not been acceded to.
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