Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Kashmir apple growers protest US import duty cut

India imposed the additional 20 per cent customs duty on apples from the US in 2019

Kashmir apple growers protest US import duty cut

APPLE farmers and political activists in Indian Kashmir protested on Wednesday (13) against the federal government's decision to remove an additional 20 per cent duty on the fruit imported from the US saying cheaper American apples will hurt local growers.

The decision to remove the additional duty was one of six World Trade Organisation disputes India and the US resolved when prime minister Narendra Modi visited Washington in June but it was implemented only last week.


India had imposed the additional 20 per cent customs duty on apples from the US in 2019, on top of an existing 50 per cent duty, as a retaliatory measure for Washington increasing tariffs on Indian steel and aluminium products.

"We appeal to the government to reconsider the decision," Bashir Ahmad, president of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Union, said at the rally involving dozens of protesters in Srinagar.

Lowering the tax will hurt the livelihoods of more than 3 million people who depend on the $1.2 billion apple industry in Kashmir, he said.

“We are already suffering due to imported apples and were urging the government to raise import duties to support local growers, but they have done the opposite,” he said, adding that the industry had already suffered a 40 per cent loss this year due to bad weather.

The Himalayan territory of Kashmir produced 1.7 million tonnes of apples in the fiscal year 2021-22, accounting for more than two-thirds of India's output, government data showed.

India imported nearly 4,500 tonnes of apples from the US in the fiscal year 2022-23, down from a high of nearly 128,000 tonnes in the 2018-19 fiscal year, the data showed.

Commerce minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday (12) that only the additional duty has been relaxed and the 50 per cent duty and a minimum import price of 50 rupees per kg would remain.

The measure "will not result in any negative impact" on domestic apple producers, but will increase competition and ensure better quality for consumers, the government said.

US apples will "compete on the same level-playing field as all other countries", it added.

India also imports apples from Turkey, Iran, Chile, Italy and New Zealand.

(Reuters)

More For You

‘All options on the table’ as Britain
prepares for likelihood of US tariffs

Sir Keir Starmer with Jonathan Reynolds

‘All options on the table’ as Britain prepares for likelihood of US tariffs

BRITAIN is likely to be hit by US tariffs despite making “rapid progress” over a trade deal with Washington, prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Tuesday (1).

He spoke as US trading partners around the world braced for an expected fresh raft of tariffs from president Donald Trump, in addition to levies already imposed on steel and those set to take effect this week on cars.

Keep ReadingShow less
single-use vapes-iStock

Analysis by Material Focus estimates that 8.2 million vapes are discarded or littered each week in the UK—equivalent to 13 every second. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Shops told to clear single-use vapes before ban starts on June 1

SHOPS across the UK have until 1 June 2025 to sell off remaining stocks of single-use vapes before a nationwide ban comes into force.

The legislation, confirmed last year, follows a government consultation that showed strong support for restricting their sale and supply.

Keep ReadingShow less
Primark-London-Getty

During his 15-year tenure, Marchant expanded Primark’s store network to more than 450 locations across 17 countries in Europe and the United States. (Photo: Reuters)

Primark chief Paul Marchant steps down after misconduct probe

PAUL MARCHANT, the head of fashion retailer Primark, has resigned with immediate effect after admitting to an "error of judgment" in his behaviour towards a woman in a social setting.

Associated British Foods (AB Foods), Primark's parent company, announced his resignation on Monday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jaguar’s bold gamble: Can it woo young, wealthy drivers with a £123k EV?

Jaguar’s bold gamble: Can it woo young, wealthy drivers with a £123k EV?

JAGUAR’S ambition to seduce younger, richer drivers was on full display in Paris with a presentation of its newest prototype, the Type 00, which promises all-electric luxury... at a steep price.

The low-slung, muscular-looking concept car presented to European reporters last Friday (21) prefigures a production model expected mid-2026 at a base cost of €150,000 (£123,472.8).

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Trump-Getty

Trump has suggested the possibility of a 'great' trade deal that could help the UK mitigate the impact of tariffs he has pledged to introduce. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer, Trump talk trade deal progress in 'productive' discussion

KEIR STARMER and Donald Trump spoke on Sunday about ongoing UK-US trade negotiations, with Downing Street describing the talks as "productive."

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has been working to secure a trade agreement with the United States. Successive British governments have pursued a deal, but it has remained elusive.

Keep ReadingShow less