India looking at cutting duties on some high-end goods after Trump’s snub
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India is reportedly considering lowering prices on some high-end US products, including Harley-Davidson motorcycles, electronic items and special steel. This development comes a day after US President Donald Trump condemned India, China and Brazil for imposing “high tariffs” on American goods.
Currently, India imposes more than 100 percent duty on 20 US items. However, as per reports, the Modi government is considering announcing some tariff cuts on key imports in its upcoming Budget.
Speaking to House Republicans at a Florida retreat, the US President said the three countries – founding members of the BRICS bloc – were acting in their respective best interests.
“We’re going to put tariffs on outside countries and people that really mean harm to us. Well… they mean harm to us harm, but they basically want to make their country good. China is a tremendous tariff-maker, and India, Brazil, and so many other countries. (But) we’re not going to let that happen any longer… because we’re going to put America first,” Trump said.
Trump has been seeking reduction in tariff on Harley-Davidson bikes for a while now. Owing to high duty and dwindling sales, Harley had to shut its India operations in 2020. However, in November last year, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had cited that India may be “open to Trump’s long standing request to lower tariff on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.”
With the Budget 2025 approaching, trade experts are keeping a close eye on potential policy shifts, while salaried taxpayers are hoping for possible income tax reforms for a much-needed financial relief.