CEPA Challenges: Rising Copper Imports Threaten India’s Domestic Industry

The Indian Primary Copper Producers Association (IPCPA) has raised concerns about increased copper rod imports from the UAE under the India-UAE CEPA. The association warns that these imports, with minimal value addition, threaten domestic investments in copper refining. IPCPA has called for revisions to CEPA's rules to protect India's copper industry.


Devdiscourse News Desk | New Delhi | Updated: 02-10-2025 12:27 IST | Created: 02-10-2025 12:27 IST
CEPA Challenges: Rising Copper Imports Threaten India’s Domestic Industry
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The Indian Primary Copper Producers Association (IPCPA) has expressed alarm over the surge in copper rod imports from the UAE under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The association argues that this trend jeopardizes domestic investment in India's copper refining sector.

IPCPA's concerns stem from the fact that the UAE, lacking its own mining infrastructure, is exporting copper rods to India with minimal value added. The duty on these imports, reduced to 1% in May 2025, is set to be completely abolished by May 2026, leading to a significant rise in imports.

The association has urged the government to revise CEPA's regulations. IPCPA calls for a stricter Product-Specific Rule and seeks to lower the tariff rate quota for copper rod imports, aiming to safeguard the future of India's copper manufacturing industry.

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