Indian solar panel manufacturers are struggling with the increase in cheaper Chinese imports through intermediary countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore. Chinese companies are taking advantage of Free Trade Agreement loopholes to export to India, despite the imposition of customs duty.
The government has removed the 20% additional duty on apples and walnuts imported from the US. This move, resulting from the settlement of trade disputes, will not harm domestic producers as customs duties remain in place. Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal clarified that only the additional duty has been eliminated. The government has also implemented measures like customs duty and Minimum Import Price to protect domestic producers and ensure the entry of apples that meet the required standards.
