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• India's Budget 2024: Impact on Custom Duties and Trade with Dubai

India's Budget 2024 has brought significant changes to customs duties, influencing various sectors and impacting trade dynamics with Dubai. One of the notable adjustments is the reduction of duties on mobile phones, benefiting companies like Apple in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). This reduction aims to boost domestic market sales, although non-SEZ manufacturers may face challenges despite a reduced duty on printed circuit board assembly.

The budget also slashes customs duties on gold, silver, and platinum, potentially reducing Dubai's attractiveness as a source due to the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

With gold imports from Dubai now taxed at 5%, the previous arbitrage opportunities diminish. This change aims to curb the practice of mixing gold with platinum to exploit duty differentials, thereby bringing other international suppliers back into play.

Additionally, duties on 25 critical minerals have been reduced to zero, promoting the development of processing industries in India, a move expected to decrease reliance on China, which currently processes 70% of these minerals globally.

In the medical sector, duties on cancer treatment medicines and certain medical equipment have been cut to zero, supporting the healthcare industry. The marine export industry also benefits from reduced duties on broodstock, polychaete worms, shrimp, and fish feed.

However, the government needs to guard against misuse of these provisions, as past instances of fraudulent imports have led to significant financial losses.

An increase in duty on Ammonium Nitrate from 7.5% to 10% aims to regulate its use in fertilizers and explosives. Conversely, a reduction in duty on methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) for spandex yarn manufacturing, along with cuts on certain leather duties, will likely boost textile and leather exports.

Overall, the Budget 2024 custom duty revisions are designed to balance domestic industry growth and international trade, with a specific impact on trade relations with Dubai.

Conclusion

India's Budget 2024 marks a strategic shift in customs duties, with broad implications for domestic industries and international trade, particularly with Dubai. The reduction in duties on mobile phones, precious metals, critical minerals, and medical supplies aims to bolster the domestic economy and reduce dependence on imports. However, the impact on trade with Dubai, especially in gold and silver, could alter long-standing trade dynamics. The government must remain vigilant against misuse of these provisions to ensure the intended economic benefits are realized, ultimately supporting India's growth and global trade standing.