Question : IMPORT DUTY ON ALUMINIUM

(a) whether there has been a persistent demand from Aluminium (Secondary) industry for reducing the import duty on Aluminium;

(b) if so, what is their precise demand;

(c) the manner in which Aluminium industry is using imported primary aluminium has been at a disadvantage vis-a- vis those using indigeneous primary aluminium, indicating the cost of indigenous production including duties and that of the imported aluminium including customs duty and other levies; and

(d) the Government`s response to this demand ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI GINGEE N. RAMACHANDRAN)

(a) & (b) Some representations have been received for reduction/abolition of customs duty on aluminium.

(c) As per the information available, the landed cost of imported aluminium is reported to be Rs 102,954 per tonne (September 2001). As against this, the market price of indigenous aluminium was reported to be Rs 94,500 per tonne. However, the total aluminium production in the country and domestic consumption are almost at par.

(d) The representations have been examined. Taking into account all relevant factors, Government has decided to maintain the existing duty on aluminium.