Surge in Copper Imports from UAE Under CEPA Challenges Indian Industry
Indian copper manufacturers warn of a surge in UAE imports under CEPA, calling for urgent policy intervention to protect domestic industry and ensure supply stability for critical growth sectors.
The Indian copper industry is raising red flags over a surge in copper imports from the United Arab Emirates owing to tariff benefits under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Industry representatives warn that cheap imports threaten domestic manufacturers, placing strain on local production capacities and market competitiveness just as India’s infrastructure, electronics, and renewable sectors are hungry for reliable copper supplies.
The opening of the Indian market to lower-tariff copper shipments from the UAE under CEPA has altered trade flows, making imports more attractive relative to domestic output. Indian copper producers argue that this shift endangers long-term supply security by depressing prices and eroding local margins. They have called for a strategic review of the partnership’s impact, suggesting supplementary duties, dynamic safeguard measures, or minimum import prices to level the playing field for Indian firms.
Analysts highlight that the copper industry is vital to critical sectors, especially renewable energy and power transmission, where stable sourcing is non-negotiable. Sudden changes in trade policy and import patterns disrupt established supply-demand balances and could set back investment in domestic refining capacity. This import surge demonstrates the complexities faced by India’s trade negotiators in balancing consumer cost, upstream industrial health, and national self-reliance.
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