Paper, paperboard imports up 34% on higher supplies from Asean bloc: IPMA

Imports of paper and paperboard in India surged by 34 percent to 19.3 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, largely driven by increased shipments from ASEAN countries, according to the Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA). The IPMA reported that these rising imports are adversely affecting the domestic industry. \r

Commerce ministry data shows that paper and paperboard imports were 14.3 lakh tonnes in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023. ASEAN countries now account for 27 percent of these imports, which enter India duty-free under the ASEAN-India free trade agreement, with volumes doubling to 5.1 lakh tonnes from 2.7 lakh tonnes in FY23. The 10-member ASEAN bloc includes Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. In value terms, paper imports doubled to Rs 13,248 crore in FY24 from Rs 6,140 crore in FY21. \r

The IPMA emphasized that these unprecedented imports threaten India's Make-in-India initiative and Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission. Major imports include printing paper, coated paper, and paperboard. Despite significant investments by the domestic industry in technology, product quality, and agro/farm forestry practices, these duty-free imports undermine these advancements. Consequently, the IPMA has urged the government to increase the basic customs duty on paper and paperboard imports from 10 percent to 25 percent.