India is reportedly considering deferring its appeal against a ruling by the dispute settlement body of the World Trade Organization (WTO) that had favoured the European Union (EU) against the country’s imposition of tariffs on mobile phones and electronic components, among other information and communication technology (ICT) goods.
Last week, India appealed against Japan and extended the time to decide on an appeal against Taiwan on similar rulings in the ICT disputes. With Taiwan, the time to appeal has been deferred by 90 days. As per sources, India might look at a 90-day extension period with the EU as well.
The dispute was filed in 2019 when the three members challenged the import duty of 7.5 per cent, later increased to 15 per cent, levied by India in 2017. India further raised the duty to 20 per cent. The objective of such an increase in duties is to boost local manufacturing of ICT products.
