The copper industry body, the Indian Primary Copper Producers Association (IPCPA), has urged the government to retain existing import duties on refined copper and several copper products in the Union Budget 2027–28, warning that any reduction could increase imports and put domestic investments at risk.
The demand comes against the backdrop of rising copper imports and concerns over underutilised domestic capacity.
IPCPA represents Hindustan Copper, Hindalco Industries, Kutch Copper and Vedanta.
The association has also sought an increase in import duty on solar PV ribbons and bus bars, used in the manufacturing of solar modules, from 5 per cent to 10 per cent to support domestic manufacturers and reduce dependence on imports, particularly from China.
In its pre-budget submission to the mines ministry, IPCPA said that the existing Basic Customs Duty (BCD) of 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent should be retained without reduction, exemption or any fresh concession, and that the BCD on solar PV ribbon and bus bars be increased from 5 per cent to 10 per cent.
It has also sought that these products not receive fresh duty exemptions or concessions under free trade agreements.
IPCPA said that India’s copper industry has invested over ₹30,000 crore in smelting, refining and manufacturing facilities since 1996. The industry is also considering investments of around ₹35,000 crore in additional capacity by 2030.
The association said domestic copper producers were facing pressure from rising imports and challenging global market conditions. Imports of refined copper rose 77 per cent from 2.80 lakh tonnes in 2020 to 4.95 lakh tonnes in 2025, according to its submission.
IPCPA argued that reducing import duties would not necessarily make copper cheaper for Indian consumers, as domestic prices are linked to international benchmarks. Instead, it could make imported copper more competitive and weaken the business case for investments in domestic production.
For solar PV ribbons and bus bars, the association said India already has a manufacturing capacity of about 30,000 tonnes per annum, against estimated demand of 25,000–28,000 tonnes. However, domestic plants remain underutilised due to competition from imports.
The association has recommended retaining the existing 5 per cent import duty on refined copper and several copper products, along with the 7.5 per cent duty on copper tubes and pipes.