The Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) has voiced concern over the surge in paper and paperboard imports, posing serious challenges to the domestic industry.
Quoting import data released by Commerce Department, the Association pointed out that imports rose 8 per cent in the first quarter of FY26, reaching 486 thousand tonnes compared with 452 thousand tonnes in the same period last year.
Imports from China alone surged by a staggering 28 per cent to 143 thousand tonnes during April-June 2025, consolidating China’s position as the single largest source of paper imports into India. Imports from ASEAN countries also recorded a significant jump, rising to 92 thousand tonnes from 78 thousand tonnes in the year-ago quarter.
“The continued rise in paper imports, particularly from China and ASEAN, is hurting the competitiveness of the domestic paper industry. Despite significant investments in capacity and sustainability initiatives, Indian paper manufacturers are struggling with underutilised plants due to the influx of predatory imports. This is not only destabilising the market but also rendering several small and medium paper mills commercially unviable,” said Pawan Agarwal, President, IPMA.
Out of about 900 paper mills in India, only 550 are currently operational. The indiscriminate increase in imports threatens the viability of many more mills, with serious implications for rural employment, the recycling ecosystem, and the farm sector linked with the industry, Agarwal said.
India’s annual paper imports had already crossed the 2 million tonnes mark, valued at ₹14,629 crore, doubling over the past four years, with China alone contributing to over a quarter of the total. “
IPMA has been urging the government for urgent policy interventions to curb predatory imports of paper and paperboard. The domestic industry requires a level playing field through appropriate tariff and non-tariff measures, stricter quality checks, and a review of trade agreements granting duty-free or concessional access to imports, he said.
The Indian paper industry, with its strong manufacturing base and deep integration with the circular economy, stands fully capable of meeting the nation’s growing demand for paper, provided unfair import surges are effectively addressed, said Rohit Pandit, Secretary General IPMA.
