India removes import duty on some electronics, smartphone parts

A person holds an Apple iPhone at the company's first retail store in Bengaluru, India, September 2, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

NEW DELHI, July 9 (Reuters) – 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.

Here are more ⁠details:

  • 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.
  • 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.
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    T.K.B. Sen

    Journalist, media worker, reporter and analyst