'Severely damaging': Domestic copper sector under strain; industry warns against 'zero

Cheap copper imports under multiple free trade agreements (FTAs) are "severely damaging" India’s domestic manufacturing system, the Indian Primary Copper Producers Association (IPCPA) said, urging the government to step in with safeguard duties and quantitative restrictions. The industry body said a surge in zero-duty copper imports is eroding India’s smelting and downstream manufacturing base, even as more than Rs 20,000 crore has been invested in recent years to build domestic self-sufficiency. "Zero-duty imports from FTA partners are severely damaging Indian smelting and refining," the IPCPA said. Calling for a 3% safeguard duty on select copper imports, regardless of FTA status, the association stated, "the copper industry seeks urgent government intervention to address FTA-related