US seeks cut in import duty on cult bike, alcohol
The US today demanded that India cut import duty on a host of items, including on cult motorbike Harley Davidson and alcohol, as it seeks to have a bigger pie of the fast expanding market here.
By Agencies |
NEW DELHI: The US today demanded that India cut import duty on a host of items, including on cult motorbike Harley Davidson and alcohol, as it seeks to have a bigger pie of the fast expanding market here.
US Assistant Secretary for Commerce David Bohigian met senior Indian government officials, including Secretary in the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion Ajay Shankar.
"India imposes 10 per cent higher tariff than other countries," Bohigian said, adding that he was expecting a breakthrough soon on the US demand for reduction in import duty.
Besides seeking reduction in tariff, the delegation from the US Commerce Department is believed to have made a strong pitch for the American aircraft manufacturer Boeing.
The state-owned Air India is on a huge expansion drive, requiring a new fleet of 110 aircraft in the next three to five years.
The US and the European Union had taken India to the World Trade Organisation against high level of duties on wines and spirits. Though India had announced duty reduction on alcohol beverages, the US wants further cut.
Other products of interest to the US are fruits, corn syrup, chocolates, life-saving drugs, pistachio and sun-dried raisins.
The negotiations with the Indian officials would also cover the US interest in renewable energy areas like solar and wind power and strict enforcement of the intellectual property rights.
While India raised the issue of visa restrictions in the US, Bohigian said Indians get the maximum number of work permits and student visas than any other country in the world. "We are improving the visa process," he said.
US Assistant Secretary for Commerce David Bohigian met senior Indian government officials, including Secretary in the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion Ajay Shankar.
"India imposes 10 per cent higher tariff than other countries," Bohigian said, adding that he was expecting a breakthrough soon on the US demand for reduction in import duty.
Besides seeking reduction in tariff, the delegation from the US Commerce Department is believed to have made a strong pitch for the American aircraft manufacturer Boeing.
The state-owned Air India is on a huge expansion drive, requiring a new fleet of 110 aircraft in the next three to five years.
The US and the European Union had taken India to the World Trade Organisation against high level of duties on wines and spirits. Though India had announced duty reduction on alcohol beverages, the US wants further cut.
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Other products of interest to the US are fruits, corn syrup, chocolates, life-saving drugs, pistachio and sun-dried raisins.
The negotiations with the Indian officials would also cover the US interest in renewable energy areas like solar and wind power and strict enforcement of the intellectual property rights.
While India raised the issue of visa restrictions in the US, Bohigian said Indians get the maximum number of work permits and student visas than any other country in the world. "We are improving the visa process," he said.
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