The Indian aluminium sector is characterised by large integrated players like Hindalco and National Aluminium Company (Nalco). India has the fifth largest bauxite reserves with deposits of about 3 bn tonnes or 5% of world deposits while its share in world aluminium capacity rests at about 3%.

However, the per capita consumption of aluminium in India is abysmally low at under 1 kg as against nearly 20 kgs in the US and Europe, 15 kgs in Japan, 10 kgs in Taiwan and 4 kgs in China, which implies significant potential for the sector. Read more

Industry Wish List Restoration of export incentives like that of duty entitle pass book (DEPB) schemes, which currently offer DEPB of a mere 7% (down from 11% last year) in order to facilitate exports. Restoration of section 80HSC of the Income-Tax Act (export income non-taxable), which was discontinued from April 2004. Reduction in excise duties from the current 16% to 8%, but maintain the customs duty of 15%.  Budget over the years Budget 2001-02 Budget 2002-03 Budget 2003-04 Surcharge on import duty lowered. The import duty on aluminium and aluminium products was reduced from 25% to 15%. Finance minister has reaffirmed the thrust on infrastructure development by announcing new infrastructure projects. Peak customs duty reduced from 30% to 25%. Decrease in freight rate by 5.3%. Confessional freight for short distance transportation. Surcharge on corporate tax halved from the current 5% to 2.5%.
Key Positives The per capita aluminium consumption in India is just about 0.5 kg compared to about 3 kgs in China and 30 kgs in the U.S. The fact that almost 1/3rd of the domestic aluminium is consumed by the electrical sector and there are only about 300 applications for the metal in India, this leaves a lot of room for the domestic sector to grow. Just to put things in perspective, aluminium usage on the global front is tilted towards transportation and packaging sectors and there are an estimated nearly 3,000 applications for the metal. Led by massive Chinese consumption, aluminium prices witnessed considerable strength over the last one-year. Further, with signs of the US and European economies showing relative strength as compared to last year, the demand for the metal and hence its prices are likely to remain firm in the medium term. Indian aluminium producers are one of the lowest cost producers in the world, which is a significant advantage, especially during times of cyclical downturns. Abundant bauxite reserves and access to cheap labour have given the domestic aluminium manufacturers this edge over their international peers.		Key Negatives The electrical sector consumes over 1/3rd of the domestic aluminium production. But considering the sticky positions of the State Electricity Boards (SEBs) and uncertainties raised with respect to the smooth implementation of the Electricity Act 2003 tends to keep in question the growth in the power sector. The approach adopted by the incumbent government towards privatisation, which has put on the back burner the divestment of state-owned Nalco, has provided a sort of a setback to the consolidation in the sector. Consolidation in any industry not only helps it to compete better but also improve overall efficiencies. The consistent reduction in import duties reduces the net tariff protection for the aluminum producers.

Equitymaster.com is one of India's premier finance portals. The web site offers a user-friendly portfolio tracker, a weekly buy/sell recommendation service and research reports on India's top companies.