India to impose duties on 30 US products in retaliation against aluminium and steel tariffs

According to an official, India will raise duties on 30 US products, including motorcycles with engine capacity over 800cc, fresh apples and almonds, in retaliation against Washington’s move to impose higher duties on Indian aluminium and steel exports. “This is the first time that India has levied retaliatory tariffs on any country,” said the official aware of the details.

According to India’s decision regarding the tariffs, motorcycles with engine capacity over 800cc is going to attract 50 per cent of duty, almonds 20 per cent, walnut 20 per cent, and apples 25 per cent. These duties are expected to collect around US$238.09 million, once come into force on June 21, 2018.

On Wednesday, June 13, India intimidated the World Trade Organisation (WTO) of its decision.

“This notification is made in connection with safeguard measures imposed by the United States of America on imports of certain aluminium and steel articles,” India said to the WTO.

In March, the US had declared to impose 25 per cent duty on certain steel products imported from India and 10% on aluminium products, which as per the notification would help the country to collect US$ 241 million of duty.

“India hereby reiterates its decision to suspend concessions or other obligations notified to the Council for Trade in Goods on 18 May 2018. The suspension of concessions will continue to apply until the US’ safeguard measures are lifted,” it said.

Earlier, on May 18, New Delhi had also notified the WTO to impose retaliatory duties on 20 items, including peas, chickpeas, wheat, soybean oil, refined palmolein, coco powder, chocolate products and golf carts.