Copper producers push for 10% duty to curb solar component imports
What Happened
The Indian Primary Copper Producers Association has urged the government to raise the basic customs duty on solar PV ribbons and busbars from 5% to 10%. The industry body says domestic plants are underutilised because of imports, particularly from China, despite India having about 30,000 tonnes of capacity against annual demand of 25,000-28,000 tonnes.
Key Takeaways
The association wants the higher tariff to support domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence. It has also asked the government to retain the existing 5% duty on refined copper and copper semis and 7.5% on copper pipes and tubes in the Union Budget 2027-28.