Overview
- Commerce Ministry says the 25% concessional duty applies only within a quota for New Zealand apples, with imports beyond the cap paying the full 50% duty.
- The quota is phased from 32,500 tonnes in year one to 45,000 tonnes by year six and aligns with New Zealand’s current 7.3% share of India’s apple imports.
- Implementation is expected in seven to eight months, with concessional access limited to April 1–August 31 to avoid peak domestic supply.
- A higher minimum import price of $1.25 per kg is set for New Zealand apples, which the ministry says equates to a minimum post-duty retail price near Rs 140 per kg.
- Grower groups and Congress condemn the duty cut, argue the window overlaps Himachal’s harvest, warn the price floor is inadequate, and call for restoring or lifting duties to 100%.