GTRI Proposes Overhaul of India's Import Tariffs and Customs to Boost Trade

The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) recommends a comprehensive overhaul of India's import tariff structure and customs administration to reduce trade costs, enhance manufacturing competitiveness, and revive export growth. Key proposals include moving toward zero duty on most industrial raw materials, adopting a low standard duty on finished goods, eliminating inverted duty structures, rationalizing extreme tariffs, and simplifying customs procedures. The report highlights that inefficiencies currently raise input costs and delay shipments amid global supply chain shifts, urging reforms beyond piecemeal changes to support India's trade and manufacturing ambitions.