- ALEMAI seeks tariff rationalisation and a level playing field for downstream manufacturers
- 30-lakh-tonne extrusion capacity, but only 10–12 lakh tonnes produced annually
- Imports of value-added aluminium products put domestic manufacturers under pressure
- Industry flags high energy, raw-material and financing costs as competitiveness barriers
- Policy dialogue sought to unlock idle capacity, attract investment and strengthen MSMEs
- 500+ exhibitors, 50,000 expected visitors and 30,000-sq-metre showcase put India’s aluminium ambitions in focus
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, SEPT 26
India may have the resources, manufacturing base and technical capability to become a global aluminium powerhouse—but the downstream industry is asking whether policy, tariffs and input costs will allow that potential to be converted into actual manufacturing capacity. That question took centre stage as ALUMINIUM BHARAT 2026 opened at the Helipad Exhibition Centre here on Saturday.
Organised by the Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturers Association of India (ALEMAI), the four-day exhibition from September 26 to 29, being held alongside ALUMEX INDIA 2026, has brought manufacturers, recyclers, technology providers, buyers, policymakers and international stakeholders across the aluminium value chain onto one platform.
The industry’s central message was clear: India needs to make its downstream aluminium manufacturing more competitive if it wants to capture greater domestic value addition, reduce dependence on imported finished products and unlock capacity that is already installed.
Spread across more than 30,000 sq metres, ALUMINIUM BHARAT 2026 features more than 500 exhibitors and is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors, including international buyers and industry professionals. The exhibition covers primary aluminium, extrusion, rolling, recycling, technology, downstream applications and allied industries, with business meetings, technical sessions and industry interactions focused on applications, technology partnerships, investment and value addition.
The capacity paradox
The downstream extrusion industry says India possesses substantial installed capacity but is not utilising it fully.
According to ALEMAI, India’s aluminium extrusion industry has an installed capacity of around 30 lakh tonnes a year, whereas actual domestic production is currently estimated at only 10–12 lakh tonnes. At the same time, downstream aluminium imports are estimated at around 12–15 lakh tonnes annually.
For the industry, the numbers underline a critical policy question: why should India import value-added aluminium products when domestic capacity remains significantly underutilised?
ALEMAI is therefore seeking measures that can improve capacity utilisation, encourage fresh investment and enable domestic manufacturers—particularly MSMEs—to compete more effectively.
Tariff asymmetry becomes flashpoint
A major concern is the cost of raw materials and the structure of duties across the aluminium value chain.
Industry representatives have been seeking rationalisation of tariff structures, arguing that high input costs can erode the competitiveness of downstream manufacturers. The issue becomes more complex when imported finished or downstream products enter the Indian market at preferential or concessional rates under trade agreements while domestic manufacturers bear comparatively higher costs for critical inputs.
ALEMAI is consequently calling for a review of tariff differentials, rules of origin and appropriate safeguards, with the objective of creating a more balanced competitive environment rather than insulating inefficient production.
“High input costs, tariff asymmetries”
Speaking at the inauguration, Jitendra Chopra, President, ALEMAI, said India had the fundamentals required to expand its position in value-added aluminium products.
“India has the resources, manufacturing base and technical capabilities to significantly expand its position in value-added aluminium products. The immediate opportunity is to make better use of the capacity that is already available and create the right conditions for new investment.”
He added: “Today, our industry is dealing with high input costs, tariff asymmetries, energy expenses and increasing competition from imported downstream products.”
Chopra said the industry was seeking constructive policy engagement with the Government on a framework that could improve capacity utilisation, support MSMEs, attract investment and strengthen the ability of Indian manufacturers to compete in international markets.
Energy and financing costs add pressure
Beyond tariffs, manufacturers are also grappling with energy expenses, financing costs, raw-material price volatility and supply-chain disruptions.
These pressures come at a time when aluminium demand is expanding across electric mobility and automotive applications, renewable energy, infrastructure, construction, electrical and engineering industries.
Global geopolitical tensions have further complicated supply chains, with disruptions affecting aluminium availability, inventories and regional premiums.
The United States continues to maintain Section 232 tariffs on aluminium, while changing global trade flows are increasing the importance of resilient supply chains and competitive domestic manufacturing.
Can India convert imports into opportunity?
The larger trade picture adds urgency to the industry’s argument.
Recent trade analysis cited by the industry indicates that India exported about $6.8 billion of aluminium and aluminium products in 2025, while imports were around $9.9 billion, with a significant share of imports comprising value-added products.
For ALEMAI, this represents not merely an import challenge but also a potential domestic manufacturing opportunity—provided Indian producers can compete on input costs, technology, scale and market access.
Four-point policy agenda
ALEMAI’s policy concerns broadly centre on four areas:
- Tariff rationalisation: Align duties on raw materials, intermediates and finished products to reduce distortions across the value chain.
- Lower cost of doing business: Address energy, financing and other input costs affecting downstream manufacturers and MSMEs.
- Stronger domestic demand: Encourage greater consumption of value-added aluminium products manufactured in India.
- Global competitiveness: Align India’s aluminium strategy with changing trade patterns, technology, recycling, sustainability and manufacturing trends.
The industry’s agenda also intersects with the broader national vision for aluminium, which places emphasis on domestic value addition, recycling, resource security, low-carbon technologies and global competitiveness.
Amit Thaker: downstream manufacturing can create new opportunities
Amit Thaker, MLA, Vejalpur, said the aluminium industry could play a significant role in employment generation, innovation and economic growth, particularly through downstream manufacturing.
“India’s manufacturing ambitions depend on strengthening industries that create employment, encourage innovation and contribute to economic growth. The aluminium industry has significant potential, particularly in downstream manufacturing, where better capacity utilisation and greater domestic value addition can create new opportunities for MSMEs.”
He added: “Platforms such as ALUMINIUM BHARAT 2026 bring industry stakeholders together to discuss existing challenges, explore solutions and identify opportunities for future growth.”
The bigger question
As India expands its electric mobility, renewable-energy, infrastructure and advanced-manufacturing ambitions, aluminium is poised to become increasingly strategic.
But the industry’s message from Gandhinagar is that production alone is not enough. The next phase will depend on whether India can build a competitive downstream ecosystem that converts primary aluminium into higher-value products, creates jobs, supports MSMEs and competes effectively with imported finished goods.
ALUMINIUM BHARAT 2026 is therefore more than an exhibition of products and technology. It has emerged as a forum for a larger industrial question:
Can India turn its aluminium capacity into a globally competitive value-added manufacturing advantage?
