Deadline To Impose Higher Duties On American Products Extended

On Friday, the government extended the deadline to impose higher customs duties on 29 products imported from the US, that include walnuts, pulses and almonds to 2 May.

On the recommendations of the department of commerce, the finance ministry will once again extend the deadline for levying higher tariffs worth $235 million, as it is considering resolving bilateral trade issues with the US by sending a delegate.

The new tariffs that were earlier supposed to be imposed from 1 April, were to increase import duty on walnut to 120 percent from 30 percent while that on chickpeas, Bengal gram (chana) and Masur dal were to be revised to 70 percent from the existing 30 percent and levy on lentils were to be hiked to 40 percent from 30 percent.

The new tariffs that were to be imposed in retaliation to the 9 March decision of US President Donald Trump to impose heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminum items have been delayed multiple times since they have been announced in June.