Indian uPVC Industry Demands Government Action Against Cheap Chinese Imports
The All India uPVC Profile Manufacturers Association (AIUPMA) has issued a stark warning about the escalating threat posed by imports of uPVC window profiles into India. Based in Coimbatore, the association has highlighted that the domestic manufacturing sector is under severe strain due to unfairly priced imports, primarily from China, and is calling for urgent government intervention to protect local industries.
Rising Imports and Market Impact
According to the association, India imported a staggering 1.6 lakh metric tonnes of uPVC window profiles in 2025, with an overwhelming 99% of these shipments originating from China. This influx has led to a dramatic decline in the market share of Indian manufacturers, which has now dropped to below 50%. Association president Eniyan Shivam emphasized that Chinese products are being sold in the Indian market at prices lower than the cost of raw materials required for domestic production, making it increasingly difficult for local players to compete.
Root Causes and Industry Concerns
Shivam pointed out that the situation is exacerbated by the current anti-dumping duty structure. He explained that raw materials imported into India face high anti-dumping duties, but when these same materials are processed into finished products in China and exported to India, they attract significantly lower duties. This discrepancy gives Chinese products a substantial pricing advantage, undermining the viability of manufacturing in India. "If this trend continues, the sustainability of the domestic industry will be at serious risk," he warned, adding that the industry's future is in jeopardy without corrective measures.
Demands for Government Support
To address this crisis, the AIUPMA has put forward several key demands to the government:
- Mandatory BIS Certification: Implement Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for all relevant uPVC products to ensure quality and safety standards.
- Minimum Import Price: Introduce a minimum import price for low-quality imports from China to prevent dumping and protect domestic manufacturers.
- Review of Anti-Dumping Duties: Conduct a comprehensive review of the anti-dumping duty structure to create a level playing field and support local production.
The association stressed that these steps are essential to provide a protective environment for the industry and prevent further erosion of India's manufacturing capabilities.
