The Indian Ministry of Finance has signaled plans to increase import duties on more than 80 categories of goods, potentially raising prices for popular imported products ranging from salmon and durian to consumer electronics.
The proposed tariff adjustments represent part of a broader restructuring of India's import-export duty framework. Under the plan, import duties would rise for 80 product categories while decreasing for 97 types of critical raw materials. The policy aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing by reducing reliance on foreign finished goods while making essential production inputs more affordable for local manufacturers.
Affected products subject to potential price increases include agricultural goods such as salmon, durian, and sweet biscuits, along with cotton, plastics, leather, gems and jewelry. The electronics sector would see higher tariffs on certain finished products, while components used in textiles, power generation, oil and gas, and telecommunications equipment may benefit from reduced duties.
The proposed changes remain under consideration, with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) accepting public comments until August 10. Final implementation is expected in October, giving consumers and businesses time to assess potential impacts and adjust purchasing or production strategies accordingly.
Industry analysts suggest the measures could significantly affect pricing dynamics for both consumer goods and industrial supplies, requiring careful monitoring by affected sectors. The policy reflects India's ongoing efforts to balance trade relationships while developing domestic manufacturing capacity across strategic industries.