India to Defend Copper Import Curbs in Legal Dispute with Trade Associations

India to Defend Copper Import Restrictions Amid Legal Battle with Metal Trade Associations

The Indian government is preparing to mount a strong legal defense in response to a case filed by two trade associations challenging the recent import restrictions on copper cathodes. According to individuals familiar with the matter, the Centre will argue that the domestic market has adequate supply and a sufficient number of certified suppliers to meet current and projected demand. The dispute stems from a quality control order introduced in December 2024, mandating certification for all copper cathode imports. This regulation aims to reduce reliance on foreign sources and support domestic manufacturers, especially as copper has been classified as one of India’s 30 critical minerals essential for industrial growth and energy transition.

Highlights:

• Government says local supply of copper cathodes is adequate to meet demand

• Quality control order on imports challenged in Bombay High Court

• Copper classified as a critical mineral essential for India’s energy transition

Trade Associations Warn of Monopoly Risk and Supply Shortfalls

The Bombay Metal Exchange and the Bombay Non-Ferrous Metals Association have challenged the new restrictions in the Bombay High Court, arguing that the regulations risk establishing a monopolistic domestic supply chain. While the petition does not name specific companies, it suggests that three major domestic copper producers could dominate the market due to certification barriers imposed on international suppliers. Sandeep Jain, President of the Bombay Metal Exchange, stated that the quality control order was enforced without a transitional deferment, forcing the association to seek judicial intervention. Jain further claimed that the restrictions have already triggered a shortfall of approximately 100,000 metric tons in copper imports between April and February compared to the same period in the prior year.

Highlights:

• Trade bodies claim the policy benefits a few dominant domestic players

• Cites a 100,000-ton shortfall in copper imports due to new certification rules

• Allegation of inadequate preparation time prior to policy enforcement

Government Cites Pre-Order Inventory Build-Up and Certification Progress

Officials familiar with the government’s position counter the trade associations’ claims by citing a surge in copper imports ahead of the December implementation. Significant imports in October and November 2024, they argue, contributed to the reduced volumes in December and January and do not reflect actual shortages. The government maintains that the industry’s current concerns are not supported by current data, emphasizing that there are now 10 certified foreign suppliers—seven from Japan—and five certified domestic suppliers. This certification network, the government argues, is sufficient to ensure market competitiveness and availability.

Highlights:

• Officials attribute reduced December–January imports to inventory stockpiling in prior months

• 10 certified foreign suppliers currently approved, seven of them from Japan

• Five certified domestic suppliers also cleared under new standards

India Eyes Domestic Supply Growth as Demand Set to Double by 2030

India’s long-term copper demand is projected to double by 2030, driven by industrial expansion and its clean energy goals. The country currently produces approximately 555,000 metric tons of refined copper annually, but it still imports nearly 500,000 tons to meet the remaining demand, largely due to the 2018 shutdown of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper smelter. However, the government expects the upcoming commissioning of Adani Enterprises’ new copper smelter to bridge this gap. The facility is anticipated to become operational within weeks and is projected to significantly reduce the import burden by increasing domestic production capacity. Major domestic copper producers include Hindalco Industries, Vedanta, Adani Enterprises, and the state-owned Hindustan Copper.

Highlights:

• India’s refined copper production stands at 555,000 tons annually

• Imports remain high due to legacy shortfall from Vedanta’s Sterlite closure

• Adani smelter expected to go live soon, easing import dependence

Imports from Japan, Africa Dominate India’s Copper Sourcing Landscape

Japan remains the primary source of India’s copper imports, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total volume. Other significant exporters include Tanzania and Mozambique. The geographical diversity of suppliers underscores the global dependence of Indian industries on imported copper, despite the Centre’s growing push for domestic sourcing. The effectiveness of these new regulations and the rollout of additional certified suppliers—both domestic and foreign—will remain crucial in balancing import reductions with the country’s escalating copper demand.

Highlights:

• Japan supplies nearly 66% of India’s refined copper imports

• Tanzania and Mozambique also among top copper exporters to India

• Supplier certification system key to managing future import reliance