Published at:13th May 2026, 1:44 pm Overview India doubled platinum import duties to 15.4%, escalating costs for vehicles reliant on catalytic converters, particularly diesel SUVs and strong hybrids. This move, aimed at forex conservation, is expected to increase car prices and may accelerate the shift toward battery electric vehicles as automakers seek to mitigate rising input expenses. Duty Hike Increases Vehicle Costs India's decision to more than double its import duty on platinum, from 6.4% to 15.4%, is set to significantly increase costs for the domestic auto industry. This policy, aimed at conserving foreign exchange reserves amid geopolitical instability in West Asia, directly impacts the supply chain for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, particularly their emission control systems. The move is expected to raise production costs, hitting vehicle segments that use more platinum in their catalytic converters the hardest, such as diesel sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and strong hybrid models. Market Reaction and Stock Divergence Investor reaction was mixed. Some component suppliers saw their shares decline, with Sharda Motor Industries dropping 2.1% to INR 950. In contrast, larger automakers like Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki saw modest gains, rising 1.2% to INR 1250 and 1.5% to INR 13000. Analysts noted that companies like Maruti Suzuki (P/E 35, market cap ~$35 billion) are better positioned to pass on input costs than smaller suppliers. Tata Motors (market cap ~$20 billion, P/E 28) faces higher direct costs due to its significant diesel SUV range, while Mahindra & Mahindra (market cap ~$25 billion, P/E 32) is also exposed through its diesel-heavy offerings. Estimating Price Hikes and Emission Compliance Costs The increased duty increases the cost of meeting BS-VI emission standards. Industry estimates suggest potential price increases ranging from ₹2,500–₹4,000 for entry-level petrol cars, ₹8,000–₹12,000 for mid-size diesel SUVs, and ₹12,000–₹18,000 for strong hybrids. These figures reflect higher platinum-group metal loading, from 2-4 grams in petrol cars to 6-10 grams in diesel SUVs and 10-15 grams in hybrids. Component manufacturers such as Bosch India (P/E 45, market cap ~$12 billion) and Tenneco (P/E 15, market cap ~$3 billion) will likely face contract renegotiations, as most agreements include commodity pass-through clauses. Past duty adjustments in 2023 led to 3-5% price hikes for affected vehicles and temporary stock declines for OEMs, a pattern that could repeat if automakers cannot fully pass on costs. The Indian auto sector, which reported 8-10% year-over-year volume growth in Q1 2026, now faces added margin pressure on top of existing commodity and currency challenges. Global platinum prices have recently traded between $950-$1050 per ounce, influenced by industrial demand and global events. Risks for Automakers and EV Competition The higher import duty poses a significant risk for automakers and component suppliers heavily reliant on platinum-based catalytic converters. Companies with large portfolios of diesel SUVs and strong hybrids, including Ashok Leyland (P/E 22, market cap ~$7 billion) and Toyota Kirloskar Motor (a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp), face direct cost increases. This duty burden worsens their competitive position against battery electric vehicle (BEV) makers. While Tata Motors is investing in its EV division, its existing ICE operations are now less cost-competitive. Component suppliers like Sharda Motor Industries (P/E 19, market cap ~$1.5 billion) may struggle to absorb rising costs without affecting order volumes as OEMs seek to keep consumer prices stable. Previous supply chain issues have also highlighted the risks of relying on specific imported materials. Recent analysis of Q4 FY26 filings from most Indian OEMs showed strong demand but also noted existing supply chain cost pressures, suggesting limited room for absorbing further increases without impacting profitability or market share. Mitigating Costs and Shifting to EVs Automakers are exploring ways to manage these rising costs. Strategies include accelerating R&D to reduce platinum loading in catalytic converters and expanding precious metal recycling. The government's concessional duty of 4.35% on imported spent catalysts for recovery offers a pathway for recycling the metal. Analysts believe this could slightly improve the cost competitiveness of BEVs, which do not use catalytic converters. Platinum's growing importance in emerging technologies like hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysers may also lead to strategic reviews of its domestic availability and pricing. Source： https://www.whalesbook.com/news/English/auto/Indias-Platinum-Duty-Hike-Squeezes-ICE-Vehicle-Costs

On April 9, 2026, the Japanese Cabinet officially approved the latest amendment to the Waste Disposal and Public Cleansing Act (commonly known as the "Waste Cleansing Act"). The core of the amendment is to upgrade metal recycling operations from a notification system to a permit system, and to impose a new obligation requiring confirmation from the Minister of the Environment for scrap metal exports.

On April 21, 2026, the Japanese government adopted a comprehensive action plan to strengthen the domestic supply of recycled metals and minerals. The policy aims to reduce reliance on imported iron ore and coking coal by incentivizing the development of high-efficiency scrap processing and increasing the share of EAF-based steel production in the national mix.

Against the backdrop of global sustainable development, the recycled metal industry is gaining importance. As the conflict between resource shortages and growing demand intensifies, countries are increasing policy and technology investment in this sector to promote a green economy. Japan, as a key recycled resource hub in Asia, possesses advanced technologies (such as aluminum dross processing) and closed-loop recycling models, and plans to expand the scale of e-waste recycling. However, its domestic capacity to absorb secondary aluminum is limited, necessitating expansion into markets outside China; secondary copper capacity is also expanding simultaneously. Sino-US trade issues have also highlighted the necessity of supply chain stability. Against this backdrop, with the theme "Voice of Low Carbon, Global Resonance," the will be held in Tokyo, Japan, on May 11–12, 2026. At this conference, will participate as an attending company, with Chairman Javier Riba Mas and Asia Manager Jose Maria Lozoya Fontanals in attendance. Global sustainability highlights the importance of the recycled metal sector. With resource shortages intensifying, countries (notably Japan, Asia's recycling hub) are advancing tech and policies. Japan aims to expand e-waste recycling but needs markets outside China for secondary aluminum; secondary copper output is also growing. Sino-US trade tensions further emphasize supply chain stability. 2026 SMM (3rd) Global Renewable Metal Industry Chain Summit (Theme: Voice of Low Carbon, Global Resonance ) is scheduled for May 11–12, 2026 , in Tokyo, Japan . At this conference, RIBA FARRE will attend, with Chairman Javier Riba Mas and Asia Manager Jose Maria Lozoya Fontanals in attendance. Your Trusted Global Partner in Non-Ferrous Metals Processor with more than 85 years experience Your Trusted Global Partner with Over 85 Years of Expertise in Non-Ferrous Metal Processing Comercial Riba Farré was established in 1940 and has long been deeply engaged in the non-ferrous metal recycling sector. Leveraging profound industry experience , the enterprise has firmly established itself in the Spanish domestic market while fully expanding into global markets. Drawing on years of accumulated expertise, we rigorously benchmark against London Metal Exchange quotations daily, updating purchase and sale prices in real time. Riba Farré firmly believes that long-term, sustainable business operations never rely on short-term arbitrage transactions, but rather on a solid corporate structure and persistent, dedicated operations. Our current industry standing is a powerful testament to this philosophy. Comercial Riba Farré se creó en 1940 y desde entonces ha desarrollado su actividad en el sector del reciclaje de metales no férricos. Nuestra EXPERIENCIA nos ha permitido consolidarnos dentro del mercado español y los mercados internacionales. Es la misma experiencia que nos permite garantizar la máxima actualización diaria de los precios de compra y venta de material según la Bolsa de Londres. En Riba Farré estamos convencidos que un NEGOCIO próspero no se basa en transacciones rápidas que ofrezcan beneficios inmediatos, sino en una estructura sólida y en el trabajo constante a lo largo de los años. Y nuestra posición actual confirma esa convicción. The outstanding development of an enterprise is inseparable from a professional, efficient, and motivated core team . The company continuously conducts skills training and implements people-oriented management to constantly enhance the team's overall capabilities. Meanwhile, it is equipped with industry-leading production equipment to fully ensure refined processing and sorting of non-ferrous metals. We consistently introduce cutting-edge intelligent equipment to achieve efficient operations with state-of-the-art capacity. Gran parte de este éxito se debe a la alta calificación, y a la motivación de nuestro EQUIPO . Dos aspectos que Riba Farré potencia cada día mediante la formación continua y el trato personalizado. Nuestro equipo está además plenamente respaldado por la mejor MAQUINARIA para el tratamiento y la clasificación de metales no férricos. Creemos que la máxima eficacia solo se consigue incorporando las máquinas más innovadoras en cada momento. In addition to the core metal recycling business, the group operates the RAEECICLA dedicated division, which specializes in the recycling and processing of e-waste and used electrical appliances. También, a parte de Riba Farré, contamos con RAEECICLA, la división de residuos informáticos y electrónicos. Main Products Productos principales Copper, aluminum, brass, lead, zinc Stainless steel, bronze, nickel, tin Cobre, aluminio, latón, plomo, zinc Acero inoxidable, bronce, níquel, estaño Our Advantages Nuestras ventajas Stable and controllable quality with fully standardized processing Flexible allocation tailored to various supply needs Long-term stable cooperation building reliable partnerships Global presence: Spain, Colombia, China, and India Calidad estable y controlada, procesamiento estandarizado en todo el ciclo. Suministro flexible adaptado a todo tipo de necesidades. Cooperación estable a largo plazo y alianzas comerciales fiables. Presencia global: España, Colombia, China e India. Key Reasons to Choose Riba Farré Por qué elegir Riba Farré Over 80 years of deep industry expertise Extensive global presence across international markets A hands-on producer, not merely a trade intermediary Committed to sustainable circular development Más de 80 años de experiencia consolidada en el sector. Fuerte presencia y expansión en mercados internacionales. Procesador industrial, no solo intermediario comercial. Compromiso firme con la economía circular y la sostenibilidad. Contact Information Contacto +34 932 643 630 INFO@RIBAFARRE.COM SMM Conference Contact Zhang Xiaoyao Mobile: +86 15729506965 Email:

【SMM Steel】Peruvian steelmaker Aceros Arequipa acquired three metal recycling centers in Florida, expanding its scrap collection/sorting/processing capacity for ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The move strengthens vertical integration, ensuring scrap self-sufficiency. By directly controlling these centers, it aims to optimize logistics and cut external supplier dependence. The expansion reinforces its US operational capacity and international growth strategy.

Greenway Metal Recycling has expanded to accept electronic scrap, targeting higher-value metals recovery amid rising e-waste volumes and stricter compliance requirements.

U.S. recycling firm Greenway Metal Recycling has expanded its electronics scrap recycling operations. The company is increasing the range of materials it accepts, including e-scrap containing copper and other metals. Analysts believe electronic waste will become an increasingly important source of secondary copper.

The 2026 SMM (3rd) Global Renewable Metal Industry Chain Summit & Battery Recycling Forum will be held in Tokyo, Japan, from May 11–12, 2026. The summit aims to bring together leading global enterprises, research institutions, industry experts, and policymakers in the fields of renewable metals and battery recycling.

Gravita India has agreed to acquire Rashtriya Metal Industries for roughly ₹800 crore, marking the company’s entry into the copper alloy segment and broadening its footprint beyond lead recycling into broader metal recycling and manufacturing.

Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) is thrilled to announce that the 2026 (3rd) Global Renewable Metal Industry Summit will be held in Tokyo, Japan, on May 11-12, 2026, to promote industry exchange and cooperation against the backdrop of the global push for sustainable development and resource recycling.