MNCs Upset on Duty Hikes

The news of the proposed duty hikes has drawn scrutiny from industry groups abroad, as well as officials from major trading partners. Ford, Apple, Harley Davidson executives have been among those questioning the move, according to statements reported by Reuters. 

Other tariff increases implemented prior to the new budget have also prompted questions from some Indian trading partners. At a meeting of the WTO’s Committee on agriculture last week, Australia, Canada, the EU, Russia, the US, and Ukraine flagged India’s move from late last year to increase tariffs on pulses, such as lentils and chickpeas.

For example, these countries noted that the change was imposed with immediate effect, though Indian said that the tariff increases did not go above the tariff binding at WTO.