The Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) has renewed its call for the inclusion of paper and paperboard products in the exclusion list of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), citing a sharp rise in imports that is placing increasing pressure on domestic manufacturers.
According to industry estimates, imports of paper and paperboard from ASEAN nations have witnessed significant growth over the past few years, aided by the zero-duty benefits available under the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). IPMA has expressed concern that the continued influx of low-priced imports is adversely impacting the competitiveness of Indian paper mills despite substantial investments made by the domestic industry in modernization, sustainability initiatives, and capacity expansion.
The association has highlighted that paper and paperboard imports into India have reached record levels, with ASEAN countries accounting for a growing share of total imports. Industry leaders argue that export-oriented economies in the region are increasingly leveraging preferential trade agreements to gain access to the Indian market, creating an uneven competitive environment for local producers.
IPMA has urged policymakers to review the current trade framework and consider moving paper and paperboard products to the exclusion list under the ASEAN FTA. The association believes such a measure would help create a level playing field for domestic manufacturers and safeguard ongoing investments in technology upgrades, agroforestry development, and environmentally responsible production practices.
In addition to seeking changes in trade policy, the industry body has advocated stronger monitoring of imports and the implementation of quality control measures to curb the entry of sub-standard products into the country. The association maintains that these steps are necessary to protect domestic manufacturing capabilities and ensure the long-term sustainability of India’s paper sector.
The issue assumes greater significance at a time when India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing paper markets. While domestic demand continues to expand across packaging, education, publishing, and industrial applications, industry stakeholders contend that unchecked imports could undermine capacity utilization, profitability, and future investment plans within the country.
With trade policy discussions gaining momentum, the paper industry is closely watching the government’s response to IPMA’s recommendations, which are aimed at balancing market access commitments with the need to strengthen domestic manufacturing and promote the vision of self-reliance in key industrial sectors.