India removes import duty on some electronics, smartphone parts

NEW DELHI: India has scrapped import duties on some parts used to make mobile phones and other electronic devices, removing the current 7.5% and 5% levies, in a move that could help companies like Apple and Xiaomi. Items include key parts for producing wireless charging modules for mobile phones, displays for medical devices and automobiles, and lithium-ion cells. The exemption will be valid until March 31, 2029. “This should boost cost competitiveness, domestic value addition and localisation of high-value smartphone and electronics manufacturing,” said Manoj Mishra, a partner at business consultancy Grant Thornton Bharat. Apple accuses India of ‘copy-pasting’ rivals’ claims in antitrust investigation Exemption for lithium-ion cell manufacturing may spur investment in domestic battery production for electronics and electric mobility, Mishra said. India aims to expand electronics manufacturing to $500 billion by fiscal year 2030. Smartphone production in India rose 28-fold over the last decade to 5.45 trillion rupees ($57 billion) in 2024/25.