PTI
New Delhi, Feb 7:
India has allowed a quota-based duty concession for the import of apples from the United States under the proposed interim India–US trade pact, while ensuring full protection for domestic apple growers, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday.
Addressing a press conference at Vanijya Bhawan here, Goyal said India has imposed a minimum import price (MIP) of ₹80 per kg along with an import duty of 25 per cent on apples from the US under the interim agreement, which is expected to be signed by mid-March. As a result, apples priced below ₹100 per kg will not be allowed to enter the Indian market.
“At present, imported apples attract a 50 per cent duty with an MIP of ₹50 per kg, effectively blocking imports priced below ₹75 per kg. Under the new arrangement, Indian apple farmers are fully protected, and there is no need for concern,” Goyal told reporters.
India imports around six lakh tonnes of apples annually, including shipments from the US, to meet domestic demand. The revised terms, he said, strike a balance between consumer access and farmer interests.
The minister further said that several Indian products, including agricultural goods, will attract zero reciprocal tariffs in the US under the interim trade pact. Items such as certain Indian fruits, vegetables, tea and coffee will enjoy duty-free access to the American market.
He clarified that India has not extended any tariff concessions to the US on sensitive sectors such as dairy products, sugar or millets. “The agreement will not hurt the interests of farmers, MSMEs, handicrafts or handlooms in any way,” Goyal said.
India, however, has offered duty concessions to the US in select sectors, including alcoholic beverages, cosmetics and medical devices. In return, India will receive zero reciprocal tariffs in the US on certain automobile components and aircraft parts under the agreement.
The interim pact, according to the minister, is designed to deepen bilateral trade while safeguarding key domestic sectors.
