Topic
competitiveness
Trade Downstream aluminium industry urges duty cut on primary aluminium and scrap to restore competitiveness
Downstream aluminium manufacturers have urged the Centre to reduce customs duty on primary aluminium and aluminium scrap, stating the current duty structure is hurting MSME competitiveness. In a joint representation to the mines ministry, industry bodies cited an effective import duty of 8.25% on primary aluminium and 2.75% on scrap, which has compressed margins by up to 70% and pushed input costs up 20-35% in the last three months. The associations also flagged the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism as a future threat.
Trade Soybean Oil Competitive in 2027 as Argentina Plans Export Tax Cuts
Argentina will gradually reduce export taxes on soybean and soy byproducts from January 2027 to December 2028, improving competitiveness for major importers like India. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported the plan, announced by President Javier Milei on May 21 and published in the Official Bulletin on June 3, 2026. The cuts aim to support soybean cultivation and could benefit India, which imports around 2.5 million tonnes of soybean oil from Argentina annually.