Indian paper industry faces challenges amidst rising imports
The Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) has expressed serious concerns over the record surge in paper and paperboard imports, which reached 2.05 million tonnes in the fiscal year 2024-25. This represents a significant 33% jump in volume from China alone. In monetary terms, these imports amounted to nearly INR 15,000-crore in FY25.
02 Jun 2025 | By Rahul Kumar
An IPMA delegation met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently to discuss key issues and challenges faced by the Indian paper industry
According to data cited by the IPMA from the Commerce Ministry, paper and paperboard imports have more than doubled in the past four years, escalating from 1.08 million tonnes in FY21. Today, China accounts for 27% of the total paper and paperboard imports into India, while the ASEAN bloc contributes 20%.
The IPMA president Pawan Agarwal said, "The surge in paper imports is a matter of grave concern for the domestic paper industry." He further claimed that these imports have rendered most small and medium-sized paper mills in India commercially unviable. According to the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT), only 550 out of 850-900 paper mills in the country are currently operational, Agarwal noted.
IPMA is urging the government to implement stricter quality control measures, review trade agreements that lead to duty-free or low-duty access for paper imports, undertake trade remedial measures, and ensure a level playing field for the Indian paper industry.
In related news, Minister Piyush Goyal recently met with Harsh Pati Singhania, chairman and managing director of JK Paper and a delegation from the IPMA to discuss these key issues and challenges faced by the Indian paper industry and to explore collaborative solutions for sustainable growth.
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