IPMA Urges Government to Add Paper, Paperboard to ASEAN Trade Pact Exclusion List

The Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) has called on the government to include paper and paperboard in the Exclusion List of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), citing a sharp increase in imports from ASEAN member countries.

The industry body said that paper and paperboard imports from ASEAN countries currently attract zero customs duty under AITIGA. According to the latest data released by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics (DGCI&S), imports of paper and paperboard from ASEAN nations increased to 456,000 tonnes in FY26 from 148,000 tonnes in FY22, representing more than a three-fold rise over four years.

IPMA said the increase has been particularly pronounced in uncoated writing and printing paper, coated paper and paperboard.

The association also stated that if the ongoing review of the India-ASEAN trade agreement does not adequately address what it described as fundamental asymmetries and long-standing concerns of Indian industry, the government should consider invoking the agreement’s termination clause.

Pawan Agarwal, President of IPMA, said the domestic paper industry has invested significantly in sustainable manufacturing, agroforestry and capacity expansion. However, he said the rise in duty-free imports from ASEAN countries is creating an uneven competitive environment for domestic manufacturers.

“It is important that paper and paperboard are moved to the Exclusion List under AITIGA to safeguard the competitiveness of the Indian paper industry and support domestic value addition, employment and investments,” Agarwal said.

The association said the proposed move would help protect domestic industry interests while supporting investment and employment in the sector.