At the 12th Battery Summit in Tokyo, one participant stood out — Mr. Purushottam Parolia, CEO of Nihon Ispat Pvt. Ltd., India. Wearing badges that read “I Buy All Non-Ferrous Metals” and “I am a LEAD Buyer,” he drew the attention of attendees from Japan’s battery and metal recycling industries.
Headquartered in Mumbai, Nihon Ispat Pvt. Ltd. has been in the non-ferrous metals business for over four decades. The company imports a wide range of non-metal and non-ferrous scraps — including lead, copper, zinc, and aluminium — from more than 48 countries on a rural base, and trades on and off with around 63 countries worldwide.
This was Mr. Parolia’s first visit to Japan, marking a new chapter in his efforts to expand business ties with Japanese exporters.
Q: What’s your motivation to start trade with Japan?
Purushottam:
It’s my first time visiting Japan in 40 years since I started importing non-ferrous scraps. I’ve heard that Japanese exporters prefer quick payments — usually within seven days after the Bill of Lading (BL) is issued. But in India, payment typically takes about 3-4 weeks, as shipments often go through transhipment at Singapore or other ports. Payments are made by Indian Buyers only after the containers arrive, so cash flow becomes a challenge for Suppliers. We are also looking to import all Non-Ferrous Scraps and secondary Pb-Ingots, Al-Ingots, Cu-Ingots, Brass-Ingots, Stainless Steel-Ingots from Japan.
Tanamachi (IRuniverse):
That’s true. Many Japanese exporters are concerned about delayed payments or unexpected discounts when dealing with India. So, ensuring quick payment after the BL is issued is a key factor to gaining trust — and eventually building strong purchasing power.
Purushottam:
That won’t happen with us! Once suppliers ship the goods, they can literally go to sleep peacefully. (laughs) India is a huge country, so it can be difficult for Japanese exporters/importers to judge which companies are reliable. But one clear advantage of trading with Japan is the short payment cycle — just 5-7 days — compared to about 2.5 months from the U.S. or 1.5 months from Europe. Also, we can improve cash flow by communicating directly with the final department of the yard owner or supplier when starting exports to Japan.
Q: Your company name includes the Japanese word “Nihon” (Japan). What’s the story behind that?
Purushottam:
Originally, we are conducting Business in the name & style of “Parolia Impex (P) Ltd, Kolkata. We were introduced to Sumitomo Corporation, Japan, by Bank of Tokyo, Kolkata with whom my younger brother has a relationship and a Joint Venture Project with Toyo Menka Kaisha Group of Japan for Manufacturing Steel Galvanised Sheets in Kolkata by the name of Toyo Ispat Ltd. During that time, we were introduced to the Sumitomo Group when they visited India. That encounter inspired us to incorporate “Nihon” into our company name — as a symbol of Japanese trust, quality, and long-term partnership.
Q: As your badge says, you are a “LEAD Buyer”?
Purushottam:
Yes! We currently handle Imports & Export of about 3,000 tons of lead scrap per month, including Battery scrap, “Rains”, “Rink”, (from Cars, Forklifts UPS systems, Telecom towers, Submarines, and Aircrafts) Rails, Radio, Rails, and Range Lead. For non-ferrous scrap metals, we handle between with 18,000 to 20,000 tons per month and imports into India from more than 48 Countries on a regular basis.
Purushottam: The reason I thought of sourcing from Japan is that Japan used to export a large volume of battery scrap to South Korea. However, due to limited smelting capacity and stricter environmental regulations in Korea, I realized that Japan could have abundant battery scrap available.
Tanamachi:
That was true in the past, but nowadays, Chinese lead smelters (converting battery scrap into bullion) have become more dominant in Japan, so lead scrap in Japan has become very competitive and in short supply.
Purushottam:
Even so, I’m confident we can convince Japanese scrap sellers to make deals with us. We have strong payment availability and flexibility. I will definitely like to visit again to meet potential Pb-Smelting and Non-Ferrous Scrap Suppliers/buyers shortly after interacting with potential Suppliers/Buyers in Japan again.
Q: Do you have goals or any plans to attend upcoming international conferences or tours?
Purushottam:
My goal is to import 1,000 tons of lead bullion, Remelted Pb-Ingots, apart from non-ferrous metals scraps, per month from Japan to start with currently, we import around 18,000–20,000 tons of non-ferrous materials monthly from various parts of the world, but we aim to increase that volume to 25,000 tons in the near future. After returning to India, I’ll be heading to Dubai for a business trip and then to Bangkok to attend the BIR – Bangkok conference from 26th – 28th Oct 2025.
Tanamachi:
In Japan, due to the decline of ELVs (End-of-Life Vehicles), the amount of available battery scrap has been decreasing year by year. With Chinese smelters increasingly active in collecting materials domestically, even lead bullion has become highly competitive and scarce. So, Mr. Parolia, you might end up buying the world’s most expensive bullion! (laughs)
Purushottam:
Maybe so! But I’m confident in convincing them by providing good deals. Please make deals! You’ll be happy with the purchasing price!
Tanamachi:
Did you attend the 9th International Secondary Lead & Battery Recycling Conference held in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia? We made a presentation about “the current status of lead-acid and lithium battery recycling in Japan.” We will be joining the BIR Conference in Bangkok this October, too.
Purushottam:
Oh, I was there too. I missed your presentation (laughs)! I’m now looking forward to joining the BIR Conference in Bangkok this November, and of course, I’m eager to reunite with you (IRuniverse) and return to Japan soon!
Strengthening Japan–India Trade in Lead Scrap
The following day, with support from IRuniverse, Mr. Parolia visited a traditional Japanese processor specializing in lead-acid battery recycling — including automotive and industrial backup batteries. There, he discussed trade opportunities and emphasized the reliability and fast payment system of Nihon Ispat Pvt. Ltd.
IRuniverse continues to facilitate trade and information exchange between Japan and India, especially in the lead scrap and non-ferrous metals sector, through interpreting, business matching, and networking support built from years of organizing global conferences.
About Purushottam Parolia
Purushottam Parolia is a qualified Metallurgical Engineer and a graduate of one of India’s most prestigious institutions, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur—the same department from which Google CEO Sundar Pichai also graduated.
(IRunvierse R.S.)
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IRuniverse Inc., Tokyo – Provider of information on metal resources
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