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Budget 2022: Increase in custom duty on Aluminium scrap from 2.5 to 10% is key expectation

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3 years ago

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Steel Industry

Steel Industry.

As the Indian economy pushes forward to grow at 9 per cent and above over the next few years, a key challenge for the country would be to rebalance its energy needs in favour of renewable sources by 2030 to 50 per cent as per the Paris agreement.

This is where the Aluminium sector will play a greater than ever before role. Extensive growth in electric vehicles, renewables, modern infrastructure, energy efficient consumer goods and greater dependence on strategic sectors such as aerospace and defence, will drive Aluminium consumption to grow at CAGR of 10 per cent or more. For example, Aluminium usage in EV battery is 40-50 per cent more than a normal ICE. Being 3 times lighter than steel it aids in fuel efficiency making it an efficient choice for EVs.

However, the Indian aluminium industry is struggling to revive itself over the last two years following the unprecedented Covid pandemic. The declining domestic producers market share with surging imports coupled with significant cost escalation for primary producers due to a rise in input costs of critical raw materials, escalating ocean freights & logistics costs due to container shortage, current coal crunch situation etc, is restricting the industry’s ability to support the future of the country at a time when India cannot rely on import sources alone to fuel this growth.

To give relief to the sector, there is a need for urgently looking at the duty structure. The basic custom duty on Aluminium and Aluminium scrap is not in line with other non-ferrous metals like Zink, lead, nickel and tin which is a huge disadvantage for domestic Aluminium producers. The industry expects increase in tariff rate of basic custom duty or peak custom duty rate from existing 10 per cent to 15 per cent. Currently custom duty on Primary Aluminium is 7.5 per cent, Downstream Aluminium is 7.5 per cent to 10 per cent and Aluminium scrap is only 2.5 per cent. This is the reason why despite having significant presence of primary Aluminium capacity and potential to generate sufficient domestic scrap, India’s consumption of scrap is 100 per cent import dependent. The way forward is to increase custom duty on Aluminium srap from 2.5 to 10 per cent.

Primary aluminium industry is facing severe threat from the increasing import of Aluminium scrap. The share of scrap in total imports increased from 52 per cent in FY-16 to 66 per cent in FY-21. resulting in Forex Outgo of $2 billion (Rs 15,000 crore).

What is also affecting the Indian industry is China’s renewed measures to restrict Scrap imports through National Sword Policy, which is leading to greater inflow of scrap into India. China imposed 25 per cent duty on Aluminium Scrap imports from USA, and classified Aluminium Scrap in restricted import list from July, 2019, with plan to completely ban all scrap and waste imports. Post that the share of import from the US in China’s total Aluminium scrap imports has declined from 53 per cent in 2017 to just 16 per cent in 2019. India has overtaken China as world’s largest aluminium scrap importer due to Chinese measures. As a result, entire global scrap chain is shifted to India in absence of any quality or BIS standards for scrap recycling/ usage and imports in the country. A major threat is from US scrap imports, as US is diverting large volume of scrap to India, since EU and other developed countries have stringent standards for scrap. The import from US as share of India’s total scrap imports increased from 8 per cent in FY16 to 24 per cent in FY21.

This precarious situation can be resolved by safeguarding the domestic industry against these non-essential imports in the upcoming union budget.

The industry demands increasing the basic custom duty on Chapter-76 (Aluminium & articles).

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Tata Motors Unveils Limited-Edition Safari STEALTH to Mark 27 Years of Legacy

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2 days ago

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February 21, 2025

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Tata Motors is celebrating 27 years of the Safari with the launch of the exclusive STEALTH Edition, a limited-run variant designed for those who seek style and performance. Available in both the Harrier and Safari models, only 2,700 units of this edition will be produced. The Harrier STEALTH is priced at Rs 25.09 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the Safari STEALTH starts at Rs 25.74 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is offered in both 6- and 7-seater configurations. With a striking design, premium features, and advanced technology, the STEALTH Edition adds a new level of exclusivity to Tata’s SUV lineup.

The Tata STEALTH Edition brings a bold, monotone design that reflects the growing demand for exclusive and distinctive vehicles. With limited units available, this special edition is set to attract enthusiasts looking for a unique SUV. Bookings for the STEALTH Edition opened on February 21, both online and at Tata dealerships across India, giving customers the chance to own a rare and stylish addition to Tata’s lineup.

The Harrier and Safari STEALTH Edition stand out with their bold design and advanced features, built on the sturdy OMEGARC platform derived from Land Rover’s D8 architecture. The exclusive Matte Black finish, R19 Black Alloy Wheels, and a distinctive STEALTH mascot give these SUVs a powerful road presence. Inside, the cabin is designed for comfort with ventilated first- and second-row seats (Safari only for the second row), a Carbon-Noir interior theme, and a voice-assisted dual-zone climate control system.

Technology is a highlight, featuring a 31.24 cm Harman touchscreen, Arcade App Store, Alexa Home 2 Car, Map My India navigation, and a 10-speaker JBL audio system with Harman AudioworX. Power comes from a 2.0L KRYOTEC BS6 Phase 2 turbocharged engine producing 170PS, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Safety is a priority, with Level 2+ ADAS offering 21 functions, including a segment-first Intelligent Speed Assist, along with 7 airbags and ESP with 17 safety features.

Unveiling this exciting new version of the Harrier and Safari, Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., stated, “Tata Motors has been a leader in the Indian SUV segment, with innovation at its core. The Tata Safari, which introduced the concept of a lifestyle SUV to India, reflects this legacy of pioneering excellence. Over 27 remarkable years, the Safari has constantly evolved, and the launch of the STEALTH Edition is a tribute to this journey. This special edition is an exclusive offering, with only 2,700 units available in the striking STEALTH Matte Black finish. More than just an SUV, the STEALTH Edition is a symbol of prestige, adventure, and capability, making it a highly desirable collector’s item for enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Owning a STEALTH Edition isn’t just about having an extraordinary vehicle—it’s about claiming a piece of automotive history that many will aspire to have in their collection.”

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Business

Maruti Suzuki’s New Mid-Term Plan Aims To Make India An Export Hub, Launch More EVs

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3 days ago

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February 20, 2025

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New Delhi: The Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan, the parent company of Maruti Suzuki India, on Thursday announced a new mid-term plan with a “rethink” in its strategy as “the business environment has changed due to declining market share in India” and the growing electrical vehicles segment.

In its new mid-term plan for 2025-30, the company has identified India as its “most important market”. Maruti Suzuki aims to create a manufacturing capacity of producing 4 million cars annually to reclaim a 50 per cent market share in India and use the country as a global export hub as well.

The auto major plans to expand its EV lineup starting with the e-Vitara, and is aiming to launch four new EV models by FY30 in a segment where its rivals like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra already have a varied EV portfolio in India.

“In India, we will promote further localisation in line with the growth of the electric vehicle market,” the company said.

Maruti Suzuki is currently exporting three lakh vehicles from India annually. By the end of this decade, it is targeting the export of 7.5-8 lakh units per year.

While the company noted it achieved revenue and profit targets ahead of schedule by improving sales mix and quality, its sales volume target could not be met.

It noted that the “competitive environment is becoming increasingly severe, and the quality of product functions, equipment and services required by customers is increasing”.

It aims to be India’s no.1 carmaker in terms of production, local sales and exports of electric cars. A total of six electric vehicles will be introduced by FY30, including four electric cars and two commercial vehicles.

Suzuki Motor plans to invest 1,200 billion yen (about Rs 7,000 crore) as capital expenditure towards production, new models, carbon neutrality and quality measures. A new plant in Haryana’s Kharkhoda and an assembly line in Suzuki Motor Gujarat will come onstream by 2030 for a total installed capacity of four million units.

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‘Made in India’ iPhone 6e not SE variant but a next-gen entry point for consumers

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3 days ago

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February 20, 2025

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New Delhi, Feb 20: In a further push to the local manufacturing, the entire iPhone 16 lineup, including the newly-launched iPhone 16e, is now being assembled in India for domestic market as well as for exports, as industry experts on Thursday cleared the air around the new device being compared to now-retired iPhone SE.

The new Apple device, with A18 chip, breakthrough battery life, Apple Intelligence, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system, is being manufactured/assembled for local consumption as well as for export to select countries.

According to experts, iPhone 16e is not iPhone SE4 and the whole “comparison is futile”.

When iPhone SE was launched, it was another masterstroke at that time. However, times have changed since then.

“Essentially, Apple retired the SE lineup and extended the iPhone 16 lineup with a new entry point. iPhone SE was no longer adding any value to consumers, developers or Apple,” said Neil Shah, Partner and Co-Founder at Counterpoint Research.

The iPhone SE which was positioned as a “Special Edition,” which brought nostalgia of older and smaller design, was priced around $400.

However, the iPhone SE lost its value and popularity, which used to be once 16 per cent of the total iPhone sales volumes, dropped to 1 per cent last year.

According to Shah, consumers now prefer better cameras, bigger displays and faster processors.

“With all this background, what Apple did was to extend the 16 series with a newer ‘base version’ of iPhone 16 and now retired SE,” Shah explained.

According to industry experts, the company has done well with streamlining the series, reducing fragmentation in design and experience and able to charge $599 (US)/Rs 59,999 (India) with the newest entry point for the best Apple experiences.

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