IARPMA, faces significant challenges due to a lack of supportive government policies.

The Indian paper industry, particularly agro-based mills represented by IARPMA, faces significant challenges due to a lack of supportive government policies. These mills, which convert agricultural waste into valuable paper products and support the rural economy, struggle to obtain essential raw materials like wheat straw and bagasse because of the absence of a clear policy framework.Adding to the strain, the industry is burdened by rising imports of finished paper from ASEAN countries due to Free Trade Agreements, putting domestic producers at a disadvantage. IARPMA is urging the Industry Ministry to reassess these FTAs to protect the survival of domestic industries. Furthermore, there's a call to reduce the import duty on waste paper from 2.5% to 0% to alleviate the financial stress on paper mills.The industry's struggles are further compounded by increasing imports from China and ASEAN countries, which have surged in recent years, making domestic paper production less competitive. A possible recession in 2025 and a global economic slowdown could negatively affect container board demand and exports