Shillong, September 13: The government has issued a statement addressing its decision to eliminate additional duties on US apples, walnuts, and almonds. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, this move will not negatively impact domestic producers of these commodities.
As per India Today, the statement clarifies that Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duties of 50 percent and 100 percent will still apply to US apples and walnuts, with only an additional 20 percent duty being removed. Likewise, MFN rates of Rs 100 per kg will continue to be applicable to US almonds, with only the additional MFN rate of Rs 20 per kg being removed.
This clarification follows accusations from Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who criticized the government for allegedly favoring US apple growers over their Indian counterparts by removing additional import duties on US apples.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry contends that the removal of these additional duties will not harm domestic producers. Instead, it will foster fair competition in the premium market segment for these products, ensuring better quality at competitive prices for Indian consumers.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that both India and the US made this decision as part of a reciprocal agreement to eliminate tariffs on each other’s products.
