Duty route to lift electronics parts production likely

Carefully executed tariff protection could boost local manufacturing of semi-finished goods

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March 2025. In the case of mobile phones, basic customs duty on speaker assemblies, printed circuit boards and batteries will go up to 15% from 1 March from 10% now.

"Customs tariffs have proven to be an effective tool in fostering domestic manufacturing when implemented strategically," said Sanjay A. Chhabria, indirect tax lead at Nexdigm, a business and professional services company. "The government in this budget must focus on a nuanced approach protecting domestic industries, encouraging backward integration and ensuring global competitiveness, keeping in mind the long-term growth and export potential."