Budget 2024: Agro-chemical sector seeks hike in import duties
import duties, flagging dumping of chemicals from China.
Crop Care Federation of India, which represents key players in the agrochemical sector, has sought an increase in import tariffs, currently at about 7.5%. «The government should raise import tariffs by 7.5% counteracting Chinese predatory pricing and monopolistic practices with targeted tariff,» said Harish Mehta, senior advisor, Cropcare Federation of India, adding that this will safeguard the chemical industry, which is a key contributor to the nation's GDP and exports. An increase between 5% and 7.5% in tariffs will go a long way towards levelling the playing field on the price front for domestic players, it suggested. The industry in its representation has pointed out that the Indian chemicals sector was trade surplus as recently as 2020-21 but reported a $17 billion trade deficit in FY23, arguing that predatory trade practices by foreign players, notably from China are largely behind this swing.
As per industry estimates, the global chemicals industry is already worth $5,000 billion and India's share is small, valued at $220 billion in 2022. Industry in its representation has also made a case to fast-track trade remedy measures including making BIS standards mandatory in specialty chemicals and agrochemicals by line ministries along with need to expedite regulatory approvals by respective ministries (agriculture, health, environment) with preference for domestic manufacturing projects.
Industry has also sought introduction of a production-linked
