Surge in paper imports impact Indian mills

Import boom threatens local industry

{reg}[PAID={"id":"9,10,11","title":"The content you tried to access is only available to paid subscribers.","link":"1"}]A significant surge in paper and paperboard imports to India, rising by 37 per to approximately 1.47 million tons in the April-December period of the current fiscal year, according to data from the Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA).

The Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) highlights the detrimental impact of the import boom on local paper mills, citing a 37 percent increase in imports to around 1.47 million tons in April-December of the current fiscal year, compared to 1.07 million tons in the corresponding period last year.

IPMA President Pawan Agarwal voices concern over the adverse effects of excessive imports, emphasizing the strain on the Make-in-India initiative and the loss of employment opportunities for around 500,000 farmers engaged in the domestic paper industry. Agarwal stresses that India possesses ample domestic capacity for paper production, and unchecked imports are jeopardizing the commercial viability of numerous paper mills nationwide.

The surge in imports, particularly from ASEAN countries enjoying duty-free access under trade agreements, is a major contributing factor. Imports of various paper grades, including uncoated writing & printing paper and coated paper, are on the rise, fueled by tariff concessions and subsidies in exporting countries like China.{/PAID}[/reg]