Customs Duty Changes in Budget Not Linked to US Tariffs: FM Sitharaman

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that customs duty changes in the 2026-27 budget are part of ongoing Indian policy reforms, not influenced by US tariffs.
• She stated that the government has consistently reviewed and adjusted customs duties in every budget for several years to provide relief to Indian citizens and domestic businesses.
• The budget decisions did not include any assessment of the potential impact of tariffs imposed by the US, emphasizing an independent policy approach.
• Customs duty changes and other policy measures prioritize labor-intensive sectors like MSMEs, marine products, leather, and textiles to boost employment.
• Key announcements include duty reduction on personal imports, exemption for 17 cancer drugs, increased duty-free input limits for exporters, and tariff concessions for electronics, aviation, and defense to promote domestic manufacturing and exports.

Why It Matters: FM Sitharaman asserts budget's customs duty changes are independent reforms, not a response to US tariffs.