GTRI Calls for Overhaul of India's Import Tariffs and Customs to Boost Trade Competitiveness

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 boost exports. 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 like the 150% duty on alcohol, simplifying customs processes, and addressing non-tariff barriers. The report highlights that inefficiencies in the current system raise input costs and delay shipments, affecting export competitiveness amid global supply chain shifts.