Already hit by swelling imports, copper producers dread body blow from RCEP

Domestic players fear RCEP will aggravate imports of wire and rods and widen the trade deficit; want refined copper in exempt list

Even before India formally signs the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the domestic copper producers have flagged concerns to the Union government on the plight likely to befall them.

The domestic copper players are bombarded with swelling imports that now account for 38 per cent of the country’s consumption. The swarm of imports, they point out is redundant since India is already self-sufficient in copper wires and rods. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) signed by India with ASEAN countries was driving imports. And, with hectic negotiations on RCEP underway, the copper producers feel signing of RCEP will lead to easing duties further,