Of India’s export activities with the US, aluminium imports have been one of the most fluctuating items over the course of close to ten years. The introduction of Section 232 tariffs by the U.S., of 10% duty on aluminium imports in 2018, which was increased to 25% eventually in 2025, has created some major ripples in the Indian aluminium export growth.
This article deals with Indian aluminium’s export performance before the respective tariff changes and during the subsequent times, the continuing persistence of exporters, and the way forward considering the stricter trade norms across the world.
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India’s Aluminium Export Story: A Timeline
A Quick Recap
- 2018: The U.S. imposes Section 232 tariffs (10%) on aluminium imports.
- 2019-2021: Recovering India’s aluminium exports due to partial exclusions and the China+1 policy.
- 2025: Flat 25% tariff with no exemptions under new proclamation.
USA’s Global Imports of Aluminium (Chapter 76) – US$ Billion
| Exporter | 2022 | 2023 | Growth (%) | Share 2022 | Share 2023 |
| Canada | 12.94 | 11.22 | -13.3% | 35.3% | 39.7% |
| China | 4.04 | 2.74 | -32.1% | 11.0% | 9.7% |
| India | 1.22 | 0.91 | -25.6% | 3.3% | 3.2% |
| Bahrain | 1.34 | 0.67 | -49.8% | 3.6% | 2.4% |
Regardless of the above, India places under the top five aluminium export growth and suppliers to the U.S., which points to what India-U.S. trade shows.
Key Products Affected by Section 232 Tariffs
Under the new 2025 proclamation, the following aluminium product categories now face a 25% tariff:
| Product Category | Avg. Export to USA (US$ Mn) | USA Avg. Import (US$ Mn) | India’s Share |
| Aluminium Ingots | 264.42 | 10,944.12 | 2.4% |
| Aluminium Long Products (rods, bars, wires) | 133.13 | 2,397.90 | 5.6% |
| Aluminium Derivatives | 1,157.83 | 69,659.87 | 1.7% |
| Products of Aluminium | 151.06 | 6,071.35 | 2.5% |
Much especially, 13.2% under HS 76051100 (aluminium wire > 7mm), and 3.1% in alloyed aluminium billets (HS 76012020) distinctly appears as the vulnerable segments vis-à-vis the new duty structure.
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Aluminium Export Trends: Before vs After Section 232
The below graph (from EEPC India) outlines before and after Section 232 tariff enforcement the ingestion of Irish aluminium exports growth to U.S. Industrial Government:
India’s Aluminium Exports to USA (US$ Mn)
| Year | Value |
| 2018 | 1.05 |
| 2019 | 1.22 |
| 2022 | 1.22 |
| 2023 | 0.91 |
While the exports post-2022 suffered setbacks, India had recovered quickly from COVID after the added demand for top-quality aluminium and of U.S. states following the China+1 policy was seen.
Major End-Use Sectors in the USA
Understanding where aluminium goes helps in identifying resilient export opportunities. As per USGS and International Aluminium Institute:
| Sector | Share in U.S. Aluminium Use |
| Transportation | 36% |
| Packaging | 23% |
| Building & Construction | 14% |
| Electrical | 9% |
| Consumer Durables | 8% |
Considering that India’s value-added products such as automotive parts, aluminium wires, and bright bars find a good market fit in the U.S. context-
India’s Strengths: Why Indian Aluminium Survived
- Competitive Pricing
- High Quality Product Standards
- Aluminium Association of India Support
- Bravo Government Advocacy and FTAs
- U.S. demand alignment in EV and packaging sectors
Yet, by all means, Indian aluminium exports are expected to be relevant when at the end of the entire Indian net import dependency in the U.S. proved to be 47% of total aluminium consumption in 2024.
What Does the Future Hold?
Key Challenges:
- Loss of cost competitiveness due to flat 25% tariff
- No country specific exclusion or GAE (General Approved Exclusions)
- Spurt in recycling within the U.S.
Strategic Moves:
- Explore alternative markets (EU, Japan, Middle East)
- Advocate for bilateral agreements or tariff waivers
- Invest into value added aluminium lines
- Partake into global exhibitions to widen outreach
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How NPCS Supports Aluminium Entrepreneurs
Niir Project Consultancy Services (NPCS) helps the entrepreneurs and MSMEs start the aluminium and metal-based industries without no much hassle. Whether it is a rolling mill, an extrusion unit, or a wire plant in the set-up mode, we would be there at every step with you-NPCS is your success partner.
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- Manufacturing process
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Must-Read Blogs from NPCS
- How to Start Aluminium Recycling Business
- Top 50 Manufacturing Business Ideas for 2025
- Export Business Ideas for Small Entrepreneurs
- Opportunities in Aluminium Wire Manufacturing
- Electric Vehicle Component Manufacturing Business
Final Thoughts
India’s aluminium export growth story to the U.S.A. has this turned out to be one of resilience and adaptability with a fair dash of clever diplomacy. Yet with the tariff hike around the corner in 2025, there looms serious threats. On the other hand, the Indian manufacturers look to diversify and innovate with the backing of the Government and support from the industry.
At NPCS, we provide entrepreneurs with supportive knowledge and tools to enable them to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment.
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