NEW DELHI: India has deferred imposing
higher duties worth $235 million on 29
American goods to December 17.
The retaliatory tariffs were scheduled to come into effect November 2 and have been postponed for the third time.
“…the central government, being satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest so to do,” the government said in a notification on Thursday.
In June, India decided to impose higher tariffs on these American imports from August 4, in retaliation to the March 9 decision of US President
Donald Trump to impose heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items.
The government later delayed the levies to September 18 and then again until November 2.
With the
new tariffs, the
import duty on walnut would be hiked to 120% from 30% while that on chickpeas, Bengal gram (chana) and masur dal would become 70% from 30% now. Similarly, the levy on lentils will be hiked to 40% from 30%.
The two sides have sparred over a variety of issues and are in the process of resolving them part of a ‘trade package’. The key issues include the US levying higher tariffs on Indian steel and aluminium, and reviewing Indian exports' eligibility for preferential duties. While India has demanded greater market access for its products from sectors, including agriculture, automobile, auto components and engineering, the US is sought greater market access for its farm and manufacturing products, including medical devices.