ALUMINIUM BHARAT 2026, the exclusive aluminium products exhibition, opened today at the Helipad Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar. Organised by The Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturers Association of India (ALEMAI), the event has brought India’s aluminium value chain together on a common platform. The four-day exhibition, being held from September 26 to 29 alongside ALUMEX INDIA 2026, brings together manufacturers, recyclers, technology providers, buyers, policymakers and international stakeholders from across the aluminium ecosystem.
ALUMINIUM BHARAT-2026 spans more than 30,000 sq. metres. The mega exhibition features over 500 exhibitors and is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors, including international buyers and industry professionals. The platform covers the wider aluminium value chain, with participation from primary producers, extrusion and rolling manufacturers, recyclers, technology companies and downstream industries. Business meetings, technical sessions and industry interactions are focusing on new applications, technology partnerships, investment opportunities and greater value addition within India.
The exhibition comes at a time when aluminium demand is expanding across automotive and electric mobility, renewable energy, infrastructure, construction, electrical and engineering applications. At the same time, global trade tensions, supply-chain disruptions, higher energy costs and volatile raw material prices are increasing pressure on manufacturers. The disruption to aluminium supplies from the Middle East has also tightened global availability, while crude prices have recently moved around the $100 barrel level amid continuing geopolitical risks.
India has significant domestic aluminium production capabilities, but the downstream segment continues to operate below its installed capacity. According to ALEMAI, the aluminium extrusion industry has an installed capacity of around 30 lakh tonnes annually, while domestic production is currently around 10–12 lakh tonnes. At the same time, downstream aluminium imports are estimated at around 12–15 lakh tonnes a year. ALEMAI believes that addressing tariff structures, input costs and other competitiveness-related issues can help manufacturers utilise existing capacity more effectively and create conditions for fresh investment.
A key concern for the downstream industry is the cost of raw materials. Standard basic customs duty on primary aluminium, including ingots and billets, is 7.5%, while aluminium scrap carries a lower basic duty. Industry bodies have been seeking rationalisation of the duty structure, citing the impact of input costs on downstream MSMEs.
The tariff issue is also linked to the changing global trade environment. While Indian manufacturers face duties on key inputs, certain downstream products can enter India at preferential or concessional rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTA). ALEMAI has called for a review of such tariff differentials and stricter rules and safeguards to ensure that domestic manufacturers are able to compete on a more balanced footing.
Speaking at the inauguration, Jitendra Chopra, President, ALEMAI, said, “India has the resources, manufacturing base and technical capabilities to significantly expand its position in value-added aluminium products. The immediate opportunity is to make better use of the capacity that is already available and create the right conditions for new investment. Today, our industry is dealing with high input costs, tariff asymmetries, energy expenses and increasing competition from imported downstream products.”
“We are seeking a constructive policy dialogue with the Government on a more balanced policy framework that can help improve capacity utilisation, support MSMEs, attract investment and enable Indian manufacturers to compete more effectively in global markets. ALUMINIUM BHARAT 2026 is an important platform to bring industry, policymakers and global stakeholders together around this opportunity,” he added.
“India’s manufacturing ambitions depend on strengthening industries that create employment, encourage innovation and contribute to economic growth. The aluminium industry has significant potential, particularly in downstream manufacturing, where better capacity utilisation and greater domestic value addition can create new opportunities for MSMEs. Platforms such as ALUMINIUM BHARAT 2026 bring industry stakeholders together to discuss existing challenges, explore solutions and identify opportunities for future growth,” said Amit Thaker, MLA, Vejalpur.
The global market is also undergoing significant changes. The US continues to maintain 50% Section 232 tariffs on aluminium, while geopolitical disruptions have affected supply routes, inventories and regional premiums. These developments are reinforcing the importance of resilient supply chains, competitive domestic manufacturing and greater value addition within India.
With aluminium demand expected to grow across transport, renewable energy, infrastructure, construction and advanced manufacturing, ALEMAI sees significant scope for India to expand its downstream capabilities. NITI Aayog’s recent trade analysis notes that India exported about $6.8 billion of aluminium and aluminium products in 2025 while imports stood at about $9.9 billion, with a growing share of imports comprising value-added products.
ALEMAI is seeking policy attention in four key areas: tariff rationalisation across raw materials and finished products; measures to reduce energy and financing costs; stronger domestic consumption and demand creation for value-added aluminium products; and greater alignment of India’s aluminium strategy with changing global trade and manufacturing trends.
The policy agenda is aligned with the Government’s broader vision for the aluminium sector. The Aluminium Vision document identifies domestic value addition, recycling, resource security, low-carbon technologies and global competitiveness as key priorities, while setting out a long-term roadmap for expanding production and strengthening the sector’s contribution to India’s industrial development.
ALUMINIUM BHARAT 2026 seeks to use this industry-wide platform to encourage greater collaboration across the value chain, promote technology adoption and support the development of a more competitive domestic aluminium manufacturing ecosystem.
ALEMAI: The Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturers Association of India (ALEMAI) is the apex body representing India’s aluminium extrusion industry, comprising over 250 members nationwide. After downstream (extrusion, roll products, wire rod, alloy casting), combining all midstream and downstream annual production capacity of 4.2 million tons, the aluminium primary and downstream industry together support more than 10 lakh direct and indirect jobs. ALEMAI plays a pivotal role in promoting innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness, while working closely with policymakers and industry stakeholders. The association serves as a unified platform for businesses of all sizes, driving progress, sharing best practices, and shaping the future of the aluminium extrusion sector in India.