1st Fortnight - September 2025 Read online
Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI)

www.indianforging.org | +91 9322450873

Key Press Reports
Automotive Industry

Automobile demand likely to rebound in H2FY26

Business Standard | 1 September 2025

  • The auto industry expects a strong comeback in late FY26, helped by government policies and a rural economy revival.
  • Key drivers include expected rate cuts, potential GST reductions, and high demand for two-wheelers and small cars.
  • New SUVs and EVs will boost the passenger vehicle segment, while commercial vehicles and tractors are also set to recover.

In Aug, TVS Motors tops e2W registrations, Bajaj Auto sees dip

Business Line | 3 September 2025

  • Electric two-wheeler (e2W) registrations rose slightly by 1.35% in August, totaling 91,091 units.
  • TVS Motor led the market, while Ola Electric, Hero Motocorp, and Ather Energy also grew; only Bajaj Auto saw a decline.
  • Growth is driven by better pricing, stable battery costs, and rising consumer confidence ahead of the festive season.

Auto dealers expect mixed Sept due to Shraadh, GST 2.0

Business Line | 9 September 2025

  • Auto sales are expected to be slow in early September due to the inauspicious "Shraadh" period and GST uncertainty.
  • A strong recovery is anticipated in the second half of the month, driven by policy clarity and festive season offers.
  • In August, passenger vehicle and two-wheeler retail sales saw a slight increase, with tractor sales jumping by 30%.

China export growth slips to six-month low as US orders drop

Business Line | 9 September 2025

  • China's export growth fell to a six-month low of 4.4% in August, mainly because of a 33% drop in shipments to the US.
  • While exports to the US declined, shipments to Southeast Asia, the EU, and Africa increased significantly.
  • Despite higher export volumes, falling prices are hurting the profitability of Chinese companies.

Auto Inc's big data move: Vahan may take wheel by Jan

Business Standard | 11 September 2025

  • Indian automakers will start using the Vahan portal by January to better match production with sales and cut down on excess stock.
  • This move aims to fix the issue of high inventory at dealerships, which currently have about 600,000 unsold vehicles.
  • Companies like Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors plan to use Vahan's registration data to improve inventory management.

Maruti: Policy stability key to India's manufacturing future

Business Standard | 13 September 2025

  • Maruti Suzuki's CEO noted that high US tariffs on Indian auto-component exports are a significant challenge.
  • He emphasized that stable and predictable policies are crucial for improving India's manufacturing competitiveness.
  • He also urged Indian suppliers to adopt the "Kaizen" philosophy and invest in R&D to grow globally.

India's auto-component industry to touch $200 bn by 2030: McKinsey

Business Standard | 13 September 2025

  • A McKinsey report projects that India's auto-component industry will reach a value of $200 billion by 2030.
  • The growth will be driven by cost-effective manufacturing, a skilled workforce, and a growing domestic market.
  • Exports of traditional engine components and a sharp rise in domestic sales of EV parts will be the main growth drivers.

GST reset: Micro SUVS, not small cars, set to 'gain most'

The Times of India | 15 September 2025

  • The recent GST cut on smaller vehicles is expected to benefit micro SUVs more than traditional small cars.
  • This is due to their competitive pricing and the high consumer demand for SUV-style vehicles.
  • The market share of hatchbacks has dropped from 50% in 2015 to 22% in 2025, while the SUV share has surged from 13.5% to 54%.
Electric Vehicles

'South and West lead in EV adoption

Business Line | 4 September 2025

  • A Reserve Bank of India report shows major regional differences in electric two-wheeler adoption in India.
  • Southern and Western states lead with a 10-12% adoption rate, well above the national average of 6-8%.
  • The availability of charging infrastructure and state-level subsidies are key factors driving this trend.

EV makers relieved at status quo on GST levy

Business Line | 4 September 2025

  • The GST Council's decision to maintain the tax rate on electric vehicles at 5% has been welcomed by the industry.
  • EV manufacturers see this as a sign of policy stability that will encourage the adoption of clean energy transportation.
  • Automakers like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra believe this will help speed up the transition to EVs.

Hinduja group to invest 7.5K cr in EV ecosystem in Tamil Nadu

Business Standard | 8 September 2025

  • The Hinduja Group will invest ₹7,500 crore in Tamil Nadu's electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem.
  • The investment will focus on manufacturing cells, batteries, energy storage, and charging stations.
  • This initiative is expected to create over 1,000 jobs and strengthen the state's EV infrastructure.
Tractor

Biggest boost to tractor, entry-level motorcycle tyres from GST reforms

Business Line | 13 September 2025

  • Tyre maker CEAT anticipates a surge in demand for its tractor and entry-level motorcycle tyres due to recent GST cuts.
  • The GST on most tyres has been reduced from 28% to 18%, and on tractor tyres from 18% to 5%.
  • CEAT expects double-digit revenue growth in FY26, driven by increased sales in rural and semi-urban areas.

Tractor sales grew 25% in Aug on rural demand, good monsoon

Business Standard | 13 September 2025

  • Tractor sales in India rose by nearly 25% in August 2025 compared to the previous year.
  • The growth was fueled by strong rural demand, a favorable monsoon, and active crop sowing.
  • Industry leaders are optimistic about the upcoming festival season, citing good monsoon distribution and increased farm mechanization.
Raw Material

Govt to Greenlight Incentives to Drive Green Steel Output

The Economic Times | 6 September 2025

  • Govt preparing a ₹5,000 crore scheme to push sustainable steel, covering both primary and secondary producers.
  • Focus is on secondary producers (50% of output) who use outdated, high-emission technology.
  • Goal: cut emissions via tech upgrades, efficient material use, and alternative fuels to meet net zero 2070 targets.

Centre may impose iron ore export duty from October 2

Business Line | 15 September 2025

  • Govt warns miners to ramp up production and halve iron ore prices or face export duties/ban from Oct 2.
  • India has clearance to produce 200+ mt iron ore annually, but output lags at ~290 mt (FY25) with exports at 24–30 mt.
  • Minister urged PSUs/states (esp. Odisha, NMDC, SAIL, OMC) to boost output or surrender unused mines.
Government Policy

India exploring alternative mkts, says MEA official

Business Standard | 8 September 2025

  • India exploring new export markets in South Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Latin America amid US tariff hikes.
  • US imposed an additional 25% duty on Indian exports over Russian crude oil imports, on top of earlier tariffs.
  • MEA says move is unilateral, but India remains optimistic about ongoing negotiations with US.

Engineering goods exporters ask RBI for cheap credit for small and micro units

Business Line | 13 September 2025

  • Exporters urge RBI to reinstate interest equalisation scheme (IES) for MSMEs, hit by high US tariffs.
  • High collateral requirements and biased credit rating practices increase financing costs for small units.
  • Industry seeks govt support (scrips, exchange conversion benefits) to offset ~30% duty gap vs competitors.

India, EU striving for 'win-win' trade package in uncertain times: Sefcovic

Business Line | 13 September 2025

  • India and EU aim to finalise a balanced FTA by end-2025 despite disagreements, covering investment, tariff cuts, and supply chain access.
  • Talks gain urgency as US tariffs disrupt global trade; both sides see deal as key for stability.
  • EU is India’s largest trading partner (€140 bn trade in 2023); 60–65% of FTA chapters already finalised.

Access all press reports in a single PDF document.

View PDF
Recent Activities
  • Southern Region Meeting - 10th Sept 2025, Chennai
  • Training on "MSA & SPC" - 15th &  16th Sept 2025, Pune
  • Annual Convention 2025 - 18th Sept 2025, Pune
Upcoming Activities
  • 24th International Forging Congress - 5th to 10th Oct 2025 - Frankfurt, Germany
  • Western Region Meeting - 31st Oct 2025, Pune
  • Training on "MSA & SPC" - Oct 2025, Chennai & Ludhiana
  • Southern Region Meeting - Nov 2025, Bengaluru
  • Training on "PPT Skills" - Nov 2025, Pune & Chennai
  • Western Region Meeting - 28th Nov 2025, Pune
  • Training on "Safety" - Dec 2025, Chennai, Ludhiana & Pune...

    [Click here to know more]
facebook  linkedin  whatsapp 
Unsubscribe   |   Manage your subscription   |   View online