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Budget announcements for the <keyword id="22541837" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="marine-sector" source="keywords">marine sector</keyword> such as rationalisation of customs duties and financing facilities will help boost the country's India's <keyword id="20765822" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aquaculture" source="keywords">aquaculture</keyword> and <keyword id="20765821" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="seafood-exports" source="keywords">seafood exports</keyword>, <keyword id="22541838" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MPEDA" source="keywords">MPEDA</keyword> said on Thursday. The <keyword id="181386" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Marine-Products-Export-Development-Authority" source="Orion">Marine Products Export Development Authority</keyword> (MPEDA) also said the Budget includes a range of strategic measures aimed at bolstering the competitiveness of marine products, with a particular focus on <keyword id="22541839" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shrimp-production" source="keywords">shrimp production</keyword> and export. Various inputs used in the manufacture of shrimp and <keyword id="22526510" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fish-feed" source="keywords">fish feed</keyword> will now enjoy customs duty exemptions, it said adding a number of feed inputs such as mineral and vitamin pre-mixes, krill meal, fish lipid oil, crude fish oil, algal prime, algal oil are fully exempted from any import duty. Artemia and Artemia cysts which are key nutritional inputs in aqua hatchery were also fully exempted from any import duty. The Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on essential aquafarm/ hatchery inputs such as Vannamei and black tiger broodstock, polychaete worms, and fish/shrimp feed has been reduced to 5 per cent. Import duty for insect meal and single-cell protein has been cut down to 5 per cent. "These announcements made in the Union Budget 2024-25 are set to significantly enhance aquaculture and seafood export sectors," the authority said. It also said that the government has committed to providing substantial financial support to establish a network of <keyword id="22541840" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nucleus-Breeding-Centres" source="keywords">Nucleus Breeding Centres</keyword> (NBCs) for shrimp broodstocks. "This initiative is anticipated to drastically reduce India's reliance on imported broodstock, potentially saving the industry up to Rs 150 crore annually," it said adding hatchery operators are expected to benefit significantly, with projected savings of 50 per cent on broodstock costs. About one lakh farmers will benefit from a 30 per cent reduction in shrimp seed costs. Further, it said the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) will play a crucial role in facilitating financing for <keyword id="20342132" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shrimp-farming" source="keywords">shrimp farming</keyword>, processing, and export. "This intervention is designed to cover 80 per cent of project costs for farmers, accompanied by an interest subvention of up to 3 per cent," MPEDA said. It added that a total of 639 export processing units are expected to benefit from enhanced access to infrastructure development funds, enabling them to improve and expand their facilities through assistance from NABARD. DV Swamy, Chairman of MPEDA, said that the proposed measures will substantially lower production costs, elevate quality, and enhance the international competitiveness of Indian marine products. The marine products sector has been a vital contributor to India's export earnings, with seafood exports reaching an all-time high of over Rs 60,000 crore in the last financial year. The authority was established in 1972 under the Ministry of Commerce and it is responsible for the development of the marine products industry with a special focus on exports.

Budget proposals for marine sector to boost India's seafood exports, aquaculture: MPEDA

<keyword id="21244010" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="government-measures" source="keywords">Government measures</keyword> such as mandatory quality control orders and increasing customs duty have helped boost exports of <keyword id="25284" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="toys" source="Orion">toys</keyword> from India, but there is a need to do much more for the sector, a top official said on Wednesday. Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Rajesh Kumar Singh also indicated that they are diligently pursuing the proposal of extending fiscal incentives under the production-linked incentive scheme for the sector. He said that the industry is wondering about one proposed major policy intervention and "let me assure you that we are still pursuing that". In the interim Budget in February, the Commerce and Industry Ministry has recommended an outlay of Rs 3,489 crore for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for toys to boost domestic manufacturing of the sector. As the scheme is yet to be cleared by the Union Cabinet, the interim Budget has made a token provision of Rs 1 lakh towards the scheme for 2024-25. The scheme aims to attract investments in key sectors and cutting-edge technology; ensure efficiency, bring economies of size and scale in the manufacturing sector and make Indian companies and manufacturers globally competitive. Singh said that the country's <keyword id="21563576" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="toy-exports" source="keywords">toy exports</keyword> have jumped to USD 325.72 million in 2022-23 from USD 96.17 million in 2014-15 as the government is providing all-around support for creating a conducive manufacturing ecosystem for the toy industry. Imports of toys dipped by 52 per cent from USD 332.55 million in 2014-15 to USD 158.7 million in 2022-23. "The national action plan for toys and other initiatives has had a good impact, but we need to do much more," Singh said, adding the sector holds huge exports and job potential. In order to make India a global hub for toy manufacturing, the government has undertaken a series of initiatives including the formulation of a comprehensive National Action Plan for Toys (NAPT) to promote the designing of toys, using toys as a learning resource, monitoring quality of toys, and promoting indigenous toy clusters. The secretary was speaking at a toy workshop in New Delhi. In order to enable further growth, increased market access and development of new-age marketing skills, DPIIT conducted a workshop with Flipkart and the Indian Toy Industry. Flipkart, Walmart and the Toy Association of India participated in the event. Joint Secretary in the DPIIT Sanjiv said that the workshop was aimed at enhancing India's position and capabilities in the global toy supply chain. It will help the toy manufacturers understand the nuances of online selling which shall in turn help in the growth of sales and market access, Sanjiv said. The issues figured out in the workshop included ways to increase sourcing by online platforms, onboarding of manufacturers on the Flipkart platform and upskilling. It was also aimed at supporting online selling, scaling domestic consumption and upskilling/reskilling workforce. Last year, Flipkart informed toy makers about their requirements and expected quality standards, as it is directly engaging with domestic toymakers for sourcing. The online platforms provide greater access to a much wider customer base across India, expanding their market reach significantly. E-commerce eliminates the need for physical stores, reducing operational costs. It also provides valuable brand exposure to a large audience. Additionally, e-commerce platforms offer data on consumer buying habits and preferences, allowing manufacturers to develop products that cater to market demands. India raised import duties on toys beginning in February 2020. The basic customs duty was increased from 20 per cent to 60 per cent and then to 70 per cent in July 2021.

Govt steps have boosted toy exports from India, but more work still needed: DPIIT Secretary

India's gold and silver imports from its free trade agreement (FTA) partner UAE have skyrocketed 210 per cent to USD 10.7 billion in 2023-24 and there is a need to potentially revise the concessional customs duty rates under the pact to mitigate the arbitrage driving this surge, a report said on Monday. Economic think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (<keyword id="15910220" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GTRI" source="Orion">GTRI</keyword>) said this sharp rise in gold and silver imports is primarily driven by import duty concessions granted by India to the UAE under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). India allows 7 per cent tariffs or customs duty concessions on import of unlimited quantities of silver and a 1 per cent concession on 160 metric tonnes of gold. CEPA was signed in February 2022 and implemented in May 2022. Additionally, India facilitates gold and silver imports by allowing private firms to import from the UAE through the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) in Gift City. Previously, only authorised agencies could handle such imports, the report said. "While India's total imports from the UAE fell 9.8 per cent from USD 53.2 billion in FY23 to USD 48 billion in FY24, imports of gold and silver skyrocketed 210 per cent, from USD 3.5 billion to USD 10.7 billion," it said. "Import of all remaining products fell 25 per cent, from USD 49.7 billion in FY23 to USD 37.3 billion in FY24," it said. GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava said the current import of gold and silver from the UAE is unsustainable as the UAE does not mine gold or silver or add sufficient value to imports. "High import duties in India on gold, silver, and jewellery at 15 per cent are at the root of the problem. Consider lowering tariffs to 5 per cent. This will cut large-scale smuggling and other misuse," Srivastava said. Trade in gold, silver, and diamonds has been prone to misuse due to their low volume but high value and high import duties in India. Low tariff imports of gold, silver only benefit few importers who keep all profits arising through tariff arbitrage and never pass it to consumers, he said. Srivastava suggested the government implement certain measures to help India balance its <keyword id="21681862" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="trade-policies" source="keywords">trade policies</keyword>, protect domestic revenue, and ensure fair competition in the import of precious metals and jewellery. It suggested reassessing and potentially revising the concessional duty rates under CEPA to mitigate the arbitrage driving the surge in imports of gold and silver. "At least, implement yearly import quotas (tariff rate quotas) for silver, similar to those for gold, to control the volume of imports and prevent revenue loss," it said, adding that India should rigorously verify the claimed value addition by Dubai-based refiners in gold and silver imports to ensure compliance with CEPA rules of origin. It also asked to tighten regulations around the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) at Gift City to control the volume and nature of <keyword id="22080399" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="precious-metal-imports" source="keywords">precious metal imports</keyword> and the exchange should not allow country-based exemptions. As increased imports contribute to a higher current account deficit and since gold and silver act more like financial instruments than regular trade items, India should avoid including them in any FTA. "India has granted <keyword id="20542001" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tariff-concessions" source="keywords">tariff concessions</keyword> for these items in many FTAs and under the DFTP (duty-free tariff preference) scheme, so a comprehensive review is needed. India announced the scheme for LDCs (least developed countries) in 2008. Under this, India provides duty free/preferential market access on about 98.2 per cent of India's tariff lines (or product categories). Further, the report stated that silver imports from the UAE increased multifold to USD 1.74 billion in 2023-24 from a meagre USD 29.2 million in 2022-23 due to India charging an 8 per cent duty under the CEPA versus a 15 per cent duty from other countries. "The large 7 per cent tariff arbitrage resulted in a loss of revenue for India of Rs 1,010 crore in FY24. Revenue loss will increase as India has committed to make tariffs zero on unlimited quantities of silver from the UAE within next 8 years," it added. It said this trade is unusual because the UAE just imports large silver and gold bars, melt and convert these into silver grains and unwrought gold for exports. "A check with global refiners will show that value addition in such process is much less than 1 per cent as opposed to 3 per cent required under the FTA," it said. On gold bars, the report said India agreed to import 200 metric tons of gold annually from the UAE with a 1 per cent tariff concession and due to this gold imports rose 147.6 per cent from USD 3 billion in FY23 to USD 7.6 billion in FY24, causing India to lose Rs 635 crore in revenue in FY24. Similarly, India's jewellery imports have increased 187.6 per cent from USD 1.1 billion in FY23 to USD 3.3 billion in FY24, whereas these imports from the UAE have increased 290 per cent from USD 347 million in FY23 to USD 1.35 billion in the last fiscal.

Gold, silver import from UAE surged 210% in 2023-24; Need duty revision in FTA: GTRI

Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> announced a reduction of 15 per cent in the <keyword id="19962888" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Basic-Customs-Duty" source="keywords">Basic Customs Duty</keyword> (BCD) on <keyword id="20016418" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mobile-Phones" source="keywords">mobile phones</keyword> while presenting the <keyword id="19908389" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget" source="keywords">Union Budget</keyword> for the fiscal year 2024-25 in Parliament on Tuesday. Along with mobile phones, the BCD on mobile Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA), and mobile chargers will be lowered to 15 per cent. Sitharaman said, "With a threefold increase in domestic production and almost a 100-fold jump in exports of mobile phones over the last 6 years, the Indian mobile industry has matured. In the interest of consumers I now propose to reduce the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on mobile phones, mobile Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) and mobile charger to 15 per cent." The reduction in BCD is expected to make mobile phones and related accessories more affordable for consumers. By lowering the cost of imported components and finished products, the government aims to pass on the benefits to end-users, potentially leading to reduced retail prices. This move is anticipated to stimulate demand and increase the accessibility of mobile technology across different segments of the population. For the domestic mobile phone industry, the reduced BCD is likely to enhance competitiveness and encourage further investments. Manufacturers can benefit from lower import costs for essential components, thereby improving their production efficiency and profit margins. According to the Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker by International Data Corporation, India's smartphone market shipped 34 million units in the first quarter of 2024. This represented a year-over-year growth of 11.5 per cent, marking the third consecutive quarter of increased shipments. Earlier, to bolster the Indian start-up eco-system, boost the entrepreneurial spirit and support innovation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to abolish the so-called angel tax for all classes of investors. This was a proposal from the industry for a long time, and this announcement will drive more investments towards startups in particular. Startups function as engines of economic growth, playing a crucial role in generating new jobs, ideas, products, and services. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-25-changes-to-tax-slabs-increased-standard-deduction-and-other-changes-to-direct-taxation/articleshow/111951205.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-25-changes-to-tax-slabs-increased-standard-deduction-and-other-changes-to-direct-taxation/articleshow/111951205.cms" target="_blank">Budget 2024-25 – Changes to tax slabs, increased standard deduction and other changes to direct taxation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2024-live-updates-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-key-announcements-23-july/liveblog/111942008.cms" target="_blank">Budget 2024 Live Updates: FM Sitharaman announces comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act 1961</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank">Union Budget 2024-25: How will this budget impact you?</a>

Union Budget 2024-25: Mobile Phones to get cheaper, as FM Nirmala Sitharaman reduces basic customs duty to 15%

New Delhi, The government on Tuesday cut special additional excise duty (<keyword id="2978612" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="saed" source="Orion">SAED</keyword>) on <keyword id="163117" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="crude-petroleum" source="Orion">crude petroleum</keyword> to Rs 9,050/tonne with effect from October 18. In the last fortnightly review on September 29, <keyword id="1229080" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="windfall-tax" source="Orion">windfall tax</keyword> on domestically produced crude oil was set at Rs 12,100/tonne. Besides, the SAED or duty on export of diesel will be reduced to Rs 4/litre, from Rs 5 per litre currently. The duty on jet fuel or ATF will be reduced to Rs 1/litre from Rs 2.5/litre currently. SAED on petrol will continue at nil. India first imposed windfall profit taxes on July 1, 2022.

Govt cuts windfall tax on domestic crude, export of diesel, ATF

Nashik, <keyword id="519104" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="onion-traders" source="Orion">Onion traders</keyword> have said that they suspended auctions in all agriculture produce market committees in Nashik district of Maharashtra and their protest will continue indefinitely, a development raising the fear of shortage of the kitchen staple in retail markets and hike in prices. An office-bearer of the Nashik District <keyword id="50894" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="onion" source="Orion">Onion</keyword> Traders Association (NDOTA) said on Wednesday they were protesting against the Union government's recent move to increase <keyword id="139959" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="export-duty" source="Orion">export duty</keyword> on onions up to 40 per cent, which will remain in force till December 31. Taking serious cognisance, the District Sub-registrar, Co-operative Societies, on Wednesday night issued an order directing all APMCs to suspend or cancel the licences of the striking traders and submit the Action Taken Report on September 21. "In protest against the export duty hike decision, we have decided to shut the auction of onions in all APMCs in the district indefinitely. This (export duty hike) decision of the Centre will not only make export of onions difficult but it will also affect the onions in transit, causing huge loss to farmers," the office-bearer said. Earlier on Wednesday, Maharashtra marketing minister Abdul Sattar said that observing a bandh (shutting auctions of onions) was not right. "Secretaries in the departments of cooperation and marketing will discuss the action to be taken as per rules and Nashik district collector will take the necessary action," he said on the sidelines of an event. Notably, auctions of onions remained closed at most of the APMCs in Nashik district, including at Lasalgaon, the largest wholesale onion market in India, on August 20. "We had given time till September 19 to the government to find a solution to our demands. But as our demands are not agreed to yet, we have decided to shut the auction of onions indefinitely," the office-bearer said. The other demands raised by traders include the cancellation of export duty on onions, a 50 per cent reduction in market fees, participation by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) in auctions and a 50 per cent subsidy in transport of onions. Accordingly, onion auctions did not take place in all APMCs in Nashik district on Wednesday including in the Lasalgaon APMC. No onions arrived at APMCs, sources said. The government order mentions that Khandu Deore, president of Nashik District Onion Traders Association, had written a letter on September 13 to minister Sattar mentioning four demands and warning of not participating in onion auctions from September 19. Accordingly, the minister has organized a meeting of officials of the Marketing department on September 26. The minister also requested the traders to defer the agitation. Despite that the traders and brokers resorted to strike which has caused many problems for farmers in the sale of various agri produce, the order said. "Even in the meeting held by the government on Wednesday (Sep 20), the traders and brokers remained adamant on their stand. As a result, the order of immediate legal action has been issued," it said. Accordingly, as per the Maharashtra Agriculture Produce Marketing (Development and Regulation) Act, 1963, all the APMCs should make optional arrangements and take necessary measures to continue the sale and purchase deals of agri produce. APMCs have the right to suspend or cancel the licenses of such traders. As per the provision, the APMCs should immediately suspend or cancel the licenses of such traders. In addition, a necessary process should be implemented to issue licenses to new buyers who want to purchase goods at the APMCs, the order said. If an APMC fails to follow the order, action will be taken against the board of directors and the secretary, the order added.

Onion traders in Nashik district go on indefinite strike over export duty; govt orders strict action

<keyword id="19896016" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-delhi" source="keywords">New Delhi</keyword>, The government has hiked <keyword id="1229080" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="windfall-tax" source="Orion">windfall tax</keyword> on domestically produced crude oil to Rs 4,600 per tonne from Rs 3,300 per tonne with effect from Friday. The tax is levied in the form of <keyword id="20211970" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="special-additional-excise-duty" source="keywords">Special Additional Excise Duty</keyword> (<keyword id="20211971" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="saed" source="keywords">SAED</keyword>). The SAED on export of diesel, however, has been cut to nil from Rs 1.50 a litre, according to an official notification. On petrol and jet fuel or ATF, the levy has been retained at nil. The new rates are effective from March 1. <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> first imposed windfall profit taxes on July 1, 2022, joining a host of nations that tax supernormal profits of energy companies. The tax rates are reviewed every fortnight based on average oil prices in the previous two weeks.

Govt hikes windfall tax on crude petroleum, cuts levy on diesel

The Centre has restored the status quo as was prevailing prior to May 22 and withdrawn the <keyword id="139959" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="export-duty" source="Orion">export duty</keyword> on iron ores lumps and fines below 58 Fe content, iron ore pellets and the specified steel products, including pig iron. The import duty concessions on Anthracite/PCI coal, coking coal, coke and semi coke and ferronickel have also been withdrawn. Officials said that the current measures will provide a fillip to the domestic steel industry and boost exports. With effect from Saturday, exports of iron ore lumps and fines with less than 58 per cent Fe will attract nil export duty and with more than 58 per cent Fe will attract lower export duty of 30 per cent. Similarly, exports of iron ore pellets will attract nil export duty and exports of pig iron and steel products classified under HS 7201, 7208, 7209, 7210, 7213, 7214, 7219, 7222 and 7227 will attract nil export duty. In May, in the wake of a sharp and steady rise in prices of steel and in order to augment the availability of both finished steel as well as raw materials or intermediates required for steel manufacture, the government took several tariff measures earlier this year. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/india-on-course-to-become-worlds-second-largest-economy-by-2050-says-gautam-adani/articleshow/95622223.cms">India on course to become world’s second largest economy by 2050, says Gautam Adani</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/article/festive-releases-fail-at-the-box-office-but-theatres-pin-hopes-on-big-ticket-releases-to-return-to-pre-covid-glory/articleshow/95608276.cms">Festive releases fail at the box-office, but theatres pin hopes on big-ticket releases to return to pre-Covid glory</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/all-is-not-that-well-say-market-experts-even-as-stocks-chase-new-highs/articleshow/95599973.cms">‘All is not that well’, say market experts even as stocks chase new highs</a>

Government withdraws export duty on steel

India has extended the restrictions on the export of <keyword id="31653" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="sugar" source="Orion">sugar</keyword> beyond October 31, 2023, and until further orders, according to a notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade issued on Wednesday. The raw sugar, white sugar, refined sugar, and organic sugar are under export restrictions. The restriction is, however, not applicable to sugar being exported to the EU and the US under the concession (CXL) and TRQ quota as was announced last year. Initially, the restrictions were imposed starting June 1 to October 31, 2022, and later extended by a year till October 31, 2023. A tariff rate quota essentially is a quota for exports at relatively low duties. Once the limit is exhausted, a higher tariff applies to additional shipments. The idea behind the <keyword id="461348" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="sugar-export" source="Orion">sugar export</keyword> restriction initially was to make prices of sugar stable domestically. Earlier, in July, India prohibited the export of non-basmati white rice to check the domestic prices and ensure domestic food security. While amending the export policy, <keyword id="93457" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="dgft" source="Orion">DGFT</keyword> maintained that the export will be allowed on the basis of permission granted by the government to other countries to meet their food security needs and based on the request of their government. By that virtue, India has allowed the export of non-basmati white rice in varying quantities to Nepal, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Republic of Guinea, Malaysia, Philippines, Seychelles, UAE, and Singapore. West African country Benin is one of the major importers of non-basmati rice from India. Other destination countries are UAE, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Cote D' Ivoire, Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Vietnam, Djibouti, Madagascar, Cameroon Somalia, Malaysia, and Liberia. In late August, India also introduced additional safeguards by way of imposing a minimum floor price on exports of basmati rice so as to prevent exports of non-basmati white rice, which was already under the prohibited category since July. Last week, the central government extended the 20%export duty on parboiled rice till March 31, 2024, an official notification said. Rice which is partially boiled with husk is called parboiled rice. Initially, the duty was introduced on August 25, 2023, and was due to remain effective till October 16, 2023, aimed at maintaining adequate domestic availability and checking its price. India in September 2022 banned the exports of broken rice and imposed a 20%duty on exports of non-Basmati rice, except for parboiled rice amid concerns about low production due to a fall in area under the paddy crop. It later lifted the ban in November.

India extends sugar export restrictions until further orders

<ul><li>India should not become complacent on the export front. Total export by all nations is about 28-30% of the world GDP. </li><li><keyword id="6393721" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indirect-taxes" source="Orion">Indirect taxes</keyword> such as <keyword id="14212793" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mineral-taxes" source="Orion">mineral taxes</keyword>, <keyword id="6356916" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="excise-duty" source="Orion">excise duty</keyword>, export duty etc., must be levied in a rational manner to remove the cascading effect. </li><li>Ban on the export of agro produce shall immediately affect the income of about 45-50% of the population employed in the farming sector. </li></ul>During 2021-22, India exported goods and services worth $669.7 billion (22.8% of GDP) as against $538.6 billion which was at about 20% of GDP during 2017-18. This calls for a sincere applause. However, India should not become complacent on the export front. Total export by all nations is about 28-30% of the world GDP. In 2012-13, India exported goods and services to the tune of 25.4% of GDP. Therefore, India must boost exports up to 28-30% of its GDP. That will recover the loss of GDP during Covid years and ensure consistent growth in the years to come. For this, the cost of basic inputs such as capital, energy, minerals and logistics must be reduced to become globally competitive. More so, indirect taxes such as mineral taxes, excise duty, export duty etc., must be levied in a rational manner to remove the cascading effect. That will boost exports and also arrest ‘cost push’ inflation. Recently, to control inflation, India has banned exports of few agro products and levied 50% export duty on iron ore, 45% on iron ore pellets and 15% on steel. However, current inflation in India is not due to shortage in supply but due to ‘cost push factor’. The export curbs need review since; it will impact GDP growth. Yes, in case of shortage in supply, curbing of exports in a calibrated manner may be chosen as a last option. Ban on the export of agro produce shall immediately affect the income of about 45-50% of the population employed in the farming sector. That will aggravate the unemployment problem. Advance estimate of production and consumption with predictable export policy shall enhance agro production without causing high inflation. India’s steel capacity utilization will be affected by the duty In India, steel production capacity is much higher than the domestic demand. More so, the addition of new capacities is in the pipeline. Sudden levy of 15% export duty shall adversely affect capacity utilization and on-going investment in new capacity. The growth of public income (GDP) and investment rate shall decline; that India can’t afford. It is agreed that; in the past one or two years, steel prices have sky-rocketed and its impact is felt by the entire economy. But such inflated prices are due to high jumps in the price of coal and iron ore; that should be resolved. This will be the right choice over curbing exports by imposing taxes. Thermal coal prices must be brought back to 2019 levels The price of thermal coal must be restored almost to near to 2019-20 level which has now increased by almost three times, mainly due to stagnant production in past years clubbed with the high price of imported coal. Its major impact is on the core sector such as power, steel, metal and cements which travels to the entire economy. For this, India must immediately increase coal production by minimum 20% through regulatory easements. Incremental production may be incentivised through fiscal tools. India has sufficient reserves of non-coking thermal coal but has limited reserves of coking coal. Steel industry uses both types of coal. For reducing import dependency, future capacity in steel may be diverted to the non-coking coal based technology on the best effort basis. The sales of sub-grade iron ore Iron ore is the principal raw material for steel making. For reducing its price, the mineral taxes in the shape of royalty and auction premium should be levied on the basic price (excluding mineral taxes) instead of IBM price (including mineral taxes). More so, IBM price is not consistent with actual sale price in most cases. Hence, mineral taxes should be levied on the actual and basic sale price instead of IBM price similar to GST and excise duty. Prevailing system is causing a compounding effect of the mineral taxes. The price of iron ore has inflated to record high levels. Same is the case with other minerals including coal. The aforementioned method of taxation is a great impediment in selling low/sub-grade iron ore in particular. After paying mineral taxes, the basic sale price comes to below production cost and at times, to a negative sale price. Hence, the miners are reluctant in selling low/sub-grade iron ore. As a consequence, new beneficiation plants are not coming up as per economic needs of the nation. Hence, more than 300 million tons of low/sub-grade iron ore is accumulated in the mines causing wastage of precious mineral resources. By and large, India must choose appropriate policy tools for controlling inflation without sacrificing exports and GDP. For intermediate products like iron ore, a calibrated curb in export may be chosen keeping a balance between the exports, GDP and inflation. The writer is an economist and the author of the book’ ‘Turn Around India: 2020- Surmounting Past Legacy’ SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/news/hul-ceo-sanjiv-mehta-coins-a-new-word-humbition-combining-humility-with-ambition/articleshow/92253088.cms">HUL CEO Sanjiv Mehta coins a new word - humbition, combining humility with ambition</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/theres-a-silver-lining-for-hotstar-in-losing-ipl-digital-rights-here-is-how-it-can-strengthen-its-counter-strategy/articleshow/92252808.cms">There’s a silver lining for Hotstar in losing IPL digital rights – here is how it can strengthen its counter-strategy</a>

You Searched For "india export duty" and got 10 results

Budget proposals for marine sector to boost India's seafood exports, aquaculture: MPEDA

PTI

Govt steps have boosted toy exports from India, but more work still needed: DPIIT Secretary

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Gold, silver import from UAE surged 210% in 2023-24; Need duty revision in FTA: GTRI

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Union Budget 2024-25: Mobile Phones to get cheaper, as FM Nirmala Sitharaman reduces basic customs duty to 15%

ANI

Govt cuts windfall tax on domestic crude, export of diesel, ATF

PTI

Onion traders in Nashik district go on indefinite strike over export duty; govt orders strict action

PTI

Govt hikes windfall tax on crude petroleum, cuts levy on diesel

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Government withdraws export duty on steel

IANS

India extends sugar export restrictions until further orders

ANI

India’s exports have a long way to go and the curbs are not helping

R P Gupta

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