The head of Vedanta Aluminium, Rajiv Kumar, has sent a clear message: If the US doesn’t end its unfair 50% duty on Indian aluminium, India should strike back with its own tariffs.
Kumar revealed that India’s aluminium trade deficit with the US has jumped from 90 KT in FY20 to 210 KT in FY25. The US imported over $27 billion worth of aluminium last year but continues to slap high tariffs on Indian goods. This, Kumar says, is hurting Indian producers and the country’s economic interests.
He asked the Indian government to push for tariff parity, and if needed, respond with similar duties on American aluminium products — especially aluminium scrap.
A New Game-Changer: Graphite From Aluminium Waste
Kumar also spoke about a major tech breakthrough by Vedanta Aluminium. At their Jharsuguda plant, the company has developed a way to recover high-quality graphite from aluminium smelting waste.
This graphite is battery-grade and can be used in electric vehicles (EVs), solar power systems, and more. Since India currently imports over 70% of its graphite — mostly from China — this innovation can reduce import costs and create local supply chains.
In 2024 alone, India imported $41 million worth of natural graphite. Vedanta’s process could change the game.
Time for a National Graphite Policy
Kumar urged the government to include graphite in the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, just like other critical minerals. China currently controls 80% of global graphite processing, which puts India at risk.
He also called for policy support to boost exploration, recycling, and local manufacturing of graphite. This could make India more self-reliant and secure in the long run.
Massive Plans for Odisha and the Future
Vedanta Aluminium is planning to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in Odisha. This includes:
- A 3 MTPA green aluminium smelter
- A 6 MTPA alumina refinery
- A 253-acre Aluminium Park in Jharsuguda
This investment will support fast-growing sectors like EVs, electronics, and solar. It will also give a boost to MSMEs by giving them direct access to hot metal.
Focus on Clean Energy and Growth
The company is serious about decarbonisation. It’s already using renewable energy, recycled materials, and cleaner fuels like biomass and natural gas. Vedanta aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.
They also plan to grow their value-added aluminium products from 60% to 90% of total output in FY26, with a capex of $1.7 billion.
Funding the Future
Vedanta’s next growth phase will be funded through a mix of internal savings, asset sales, and fresh capital. Half of the $20 billion expansion plan will come from internal funds. They also aim to cut debt by $3.5 billion by 2027 and reach zero net debt in 3-4 years.
Also Read US Hits China With 93.5% Duty on Graphite, Shakes EV Industry
