Copper industry flags CEPA threat on rising UAE imports

Since 1996, Indian cos have built 1.25 MT copper capacity against demand of 0.85 MT for FY25

- 

The Indian Primary Copper Producers Association (IPCPA) has raised alarm over rising imports of copper rods from the UAE under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), cautioning that the trend risks undermining domestic investments in copper refining.

Since 1996, Indian producers — Hindustan Copper Ltd, Hindalco Industries, Vedanta Ltd, and Kutch Copper Ltd (Adani Group) — have built a refining capacity of 1.25 million tonnes, against projected demand of 0.85 million tonnes for FY25. The industry had planned further expansions, but IPCPA said CEPA now poses “a significant obstacle.”