Overview
- Under the pact, New Zealand apples get a 25% duty only within a quota, with any shipments beyond it taxed at the existing 50% rate.
- Concessional access applies only from April 1 to August 31 and carries a higher minimum import price of $1.25 per kg, implying roughly ₹140 per kg after duty.
- The quota rises in phases from 32,500 tonnes in year one to 45,000 tonnes in year six, with implementation targeted in about seven to eight months.
- The government cites multi-layered safeguards tied to an Apple Action Plan, oversight by a Joint Agriculture Productivity Council, and planned Centres of Excellence to boost productivity.
- Himachal grower groups and Congress leaders oppose the duty cut, warning of harvest-period price pressure, impacts on high-density orchards and cold storage, and urging reversal or even a 100% duty, with some groups calling for a statewide protest.