Indian Mineral Industry Demands Extension Of Export Benefits Amid Tariff Uncertainties

The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) has written to the Commerce Ministry seeking an "urgent extension" of the Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) scheme for aluminium-producing units amid the ongoing tariff uncertainties for the industry.

The extension has been sought for units located in Advance Authorisation (AA) holders, Export Orientated Units (EOUs), and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), the body said in a statement.

This demand comes shortly after a similar appeal made by the Aluminium Association of India’s representation to the Finance Ministry, asking for the extension to safeguard the competitiveness of nearly 45% of aluminium exports from India.

FIMI said the "current lapse in RoDTEP coverage beyond Feb. 5, 2025, is putting Indian aluminium producers at a cost disadvantage."

"These units continue to bear embedded taxes and duties, which is 5-10% of their production cost and eroding their competitiveness in the international market," FIMI said. "Any delay in reinstating RoDTEP benefits for exports from AA/EOU/SEZ units may lead to production cuts, job losses and setbacks to domestic value addition."

Previously, the Commerce Ministry had extended RoDTEP coverage to aluminium units through notifications in March and September 2024 and again on March 20, 2025, with benefits applicable only till Feb. 5, 2025.