India PVC domestic players call for policy support amid surge in demand, imports

MUMBAI (ICIS)–India’s vinyl industry leaders voiced optimism about long-term demand growth while raising caution over rising imports and the need for a stable regulatory framework at the 12th Vinyl India Summit held in Mumbai on April 10-11, 2025.

The conference brought together domestic producers, global suppliers, and policymakers to chart the future course of one of the fastest-growing vinyl markets in the world.

India’s per capita polyvinyl chloride (PVC) consumption remains significantly below global averages, but growth momentum is building rapidly, said Vivek Jain, managing director of DCW Ltd., in his keynote address.

Jain projected PVC demand to reach 7 million tonnes by FY2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%, underpinned by robust infrastructure expansion and broadening end-use applications.

“PVC and CPVC are finding increased traction in plumbing, fire safety, and commercial construction,” Jain noted, adding that India’s policy environment must continue to support domestic manufacturing to sustain this trajectory.

IMPORT SURGE RAISES TRADE CONCERNS
While demand prospects are upbeat, rising imports remain a pressing concern for Indian producers.

India imported 1.9 million tonnes of PVC in financial year (FY) 2022-23 (April to March), a figure that is expected to surge to 3 million tonnes by FY25, with China accounting for 43% of the inflows, Jain said.

Ongoing global tariff disputes and surplus capacities in major exporting countries could make India vulnerable to dumping, he warned, strengthening the case for a re-evaluation of anti-dumping duties (ADDs).

“Without adequate trade safeguards, India risks becoming a dumping ground,” he said. “Strategic and timely regulatory action is vital.”

GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS DRIVING DOMESTIC DEMAND
Echoing the bullish sentiment, Anil Jain, vice chairman and CEO of Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd., pointed to major infrastructure initiatives as the cornerstone of future demand.

“With the Jal Jeevan Mission, river-linking projects, and aggressive rural irrigation programs, we are seeing a once-in-a-generation opportunity for PVC applications in water management,” Jain said.

He highlighted that India aims to bring 10–20 million hectares of farmland under irrigation, a move that will significantly boost rural infrastructure and drive multi-decade demand for PVC.

Jain also emphasized the expansion of chlorinated PVC (CPVC) beyond premium housing into affordable housing, powered by government plans to build 100 million new homes.

MARKET OPTIMISM ROOTED IN DOMESTIC RESILIENCE
Despite global economic volatility, both executives underscored India’s internal strength as a consumption-driven economy.

“India’s growth story is being written at home. Domestic demand is strong, and if PVC price stays around $700/tonne, we’ll remain the fastest-growing market globally,” Anil Jain stated.

New resin capacities coming online by 2026–27, combined with a policy environment that encourages investment, are expected to propel India’s PVC sector through what Jain described as a “rocking five years” ahead.

The conference also emphasized the importance of ESG compliance, green material innovation, and the circular economy as integral to sustainable growth.

“Growth and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand,” Vivek Jain concluded, urging stakeholders to collaborate on a long-term roadmap to 2030.

Focus article by Aswin Kondapally