Tyre makers seek temporary duty-free natural rubber imports
ATMA has asked the Centre to allow duty-free imports within a quota tied to the assessed domestic shortfall.
The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) has asked the Centre to temporarily allow duty-free imports of natural rubber, saying domestic supplies are falling short during the peak tapping season.
In a letter to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the association proposed a tariff-rate quota that would limit duty-free imports to the assessed gap between domestic supply and demand. It wants the arrangement to remain in place until supply and market conditions normalise.
“Tyre manufacturers rely on the peak tapping season to secure domestic rubber for their production schedules. This year, supplies are falling short even during these months, while procurement costs have risen sharply. A temporary duty-free quota, limited to the assessed shortfall, would help manufacturers maintain production while protecting the interests of domestic rubber growers,” said Arun Mammen, chairman of ATMA.
ATMA said domestic natural rubber had touched INR 300 per kg, about 61% above its cited November 2025 monthly average of INR 186 per kg. The comparison is between a point price and a monthly average. The association put FY26 domestic production at 9.05 lakh tonnes against consumption of 14.27 lakh tonnes, a gap of 5.22 lakh tonnes, or about 37% of consumption.
