Parliament Question: Import Duties on Indian Goods

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1752 ANSWERED ON 10/02/2026 IMPORT DUTIES ON INDIAN GOODS 1752. SHRI BRIJENDRA SINGH OLA Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री) be pleased to state: (a) whether some major trading partner countries have increased import duties on Indian goods, if so, the details thereof, country and product-wise; (b) the policy and practical measures being taken by the Government at present to mitigate the impact of the said increased duties and promote exports of both goods and services; (c) whether the Government has carried out any assessment of the impact of the said increased duties on India's export competitiveness, if so, the main findings thereof; and (d) the concrete steps being taken by the Government in the short and medium term to diversify export markets, develop new markets and encourage export of more value-added products? ANSWER वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्यमंत्री (श्री णिणिन प्रसाद) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA) (a): On 07th August, 2025, the United States of America (USA), one of the major trading partner countries of India, imposed reciprocal tariff of 25% on certain goods exported from India to the USA. Further, additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25% with effect from 27th August, 2025 was imposed on certain goods exported from India. India and the USA have announced on February 7, 2026 that the United States of America (United States) and India have reached a framework for an Interim Agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade (Interim Agreement). Mexico has approved an increase in its MFN import tariffs within the WTO framework applicable on countries without an FTA with Mexico. The measure amends around 1,455 tariff lines under the General Import and Export Tax Law, primarily affecting China, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and India. Revised tariffs will range from 5% to 50%, with most products likely facing around 35%. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2224783&reg=3&lang=2 1(b) to (d): The Government has taken various proactive measures aimed at enhancing domestic capacities, boosting exports, diversifying supply chains, exploring alternate sources of imports and fostering economic resilience including mitigating adverse impact on trade, if any, due to global factors. Several key initiatives and policy measures undertaken by the Government to boost exports, attract investments and to promote ease of doing business from time to time. Trade relief measures of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters, enhancement of domestic demand through next generation Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, Export Promotion measures such as the new Export Promotion Mission (EPM), all of which provide support and assistance to our exporters. Assessment of the impact of the trade agreement is an ongoing exercise. The Government is continuously engaged with industry associations, concerned stakeholders, including the Indian Missions abroad, the Export Promotion Councils, the trade associations, the concerned ministries/departments to advance trade and mitigate the impact of trade wars. Government aims to promote trade and economic growth through trade promotion, FTAs, trade facilitation and remedial measures related to import and export. Government has taken several initiative and measures from time to time towards enhancing domestic capacities, boosting exports from the country: (i) The Foreign Trade Policy effective from April 01, 2023 is designed to integrate India more effectively into the global market, improve trade competitiveness, and establish the country as a reliable and trusted trade partner. (ii) The Rebate of State and Central Levies and Taxes (RoSCTL) Scheme to promote labour- oriented certain items of textiles sector export has been implemented since March 07, 2019. (iii) Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme has been implemented since January 01, 2021. The benefit of RoDTEP scheme had also been extended to sectors like steel, pharma and chemicals with effect from December 15, 2022 to enhance export competitiveness of these sectors. Currently, approx 10,780 tariff lines (8-digit ITC(HS) Codes) are covered under this Scheme. The budget allocation for RoDTEP Scheme for the current financial year 2025-26 is Rs. 18,232 crores. The benefits of the RoDTEP scheme have been extended to exports from Domestic Tariff Area (DTA)/ AA/ EoU/ SEZ units till March 31, 2026. (iv) A Common Digital Platform for Certificate of extension Origin has been launched to facilitate trade and increase Free Trade Agreement (FTA) utilization by exporters. (v) Districts as Export Hubs initiative has been launched by identifying products & services with export potential in each district, addressing bottlenecks for exporting these products and supporting local exporters/manufacturers to generate employment in the district. (vi) The Government has launched Trade Connect ePlatform as a unified digital interface to provide international trade information and services to all Indian exporters including MSMEs. The platform serves as a single platform for issuance of Certificates of Origin for all Indian products. It also provides various information including tariffs for Indian products in international markets, trade events happening worldwide, product and country specific trade data and compliances, international buyer data and learning resources 2on international trade. Officials from Indian Missions, Export Promotion Councils, Exim Bank and Department of Commerce are present on the platform with over 19 lakh registered public users (as of January 2026). (vii) The Export Promotion Mission (EPM), approved by the Cabinet on 12.11.2025 and announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, is a flagship, outcome-based initiative with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore for FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31 to enhance India’s export competitiveness, particularly for MSMEs, first-time exporters, and labour-intensive sectors; implemented through a collaborative, EDI-driven framework, it consolidates various interventions into two sub-schemes - NIRYAT PROTSAHAN, providing affordable trade finance support, and NIRYAT DISHA, offering non-financial assistance such as quality compliance, branding, logistics, market access, and capacity building. (viii) Active role of Indian missions abroad towards promoting India’s trade, tourism, technology and investment goals has been enhanced. Regular monitoring of export performance with Commercial Missions abroad, Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards/Authorities and Industry Associations is being done and corrective measures are being taken from time to time. ***** 3