As the Indian government prepares a response to an import restrictions case filed by two trade associations, according to two sources, it should argue that there is a sufficient domestic supply of copper cathodes and an adequate number of suppliers.

India is the world's second largest importer of refined copper. It relies on imports to fill its deficits and meet strong demand in sectors such as energy, defense, automotive and infrastructure. Copper is among the 30 critical minerals identified by India in 2023. India's refined copper production is estimated at around 555,000 tons per year, and New Delhi imports around 500,000 tons of copper per year to make up the deficit. Imports have increased since the closure of the national Sterlite copper smelter in Vedanta in 2018. But in December, the government said the rise of the Adani Enterprises foundry would meet India's domestic needs and reduce imports