India’s aluminium production rises marginally to 38.36 LT in FY 2024-25

Delhi Delhi: Aluminium production witnessed a marginal growth of 0.9 per cent to 38.36 lakh tonne (LT) during April-February of FY2024-25, according to provisional data released by the Ministry of Mines. According to government data, aluminium production stood at 38.00 lakh tonne during the same period last year.

Meanwhile, refined copper production rose 7.1 per cent to 4.97 LT in FY2024-25, ministry data showed. India ranks among the top 10 producers of refined copper, ranks fourth globally in terms of iron ore production, and is the world’s second-largest aluminium producer. Advanced economies view aluminium as a strategic resource, adopting measures to protect their industries.

For example, the US has imposed a 10 per cent tariff on aluminium imports, while China imposes a 25 per cent duty on aluminium scrap imports from the US, as well as additional restrictions. Despite these trends, India has become the world’s largest importer of aluminium scrap, which hampers the growth of its domestic industry.

With India’s aluminium demand projected to reach 10 million tonnes by 2030, the Aluminium Association of India (AAI), an industry association, has been calling for strong measures such as higher import duties and anti-dumping protection for the long-term growth of the sector. Going forward, iron ore accounts for 70 per cent of total MCDR mineral production by value, with production set to reach 274 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY 2023-24, according to government data.