CUSTOMS DUTIES ON LIQUOR

Diageo to cut liquor prices in India as UK trade deal slashes Scotch duties
Diageo plans to reduce liquor prices in India by a high single-digit percentage following the India-UK FTA, anticipating full implementation by fiscal year 2027. This move aims to boost growth in the Indian market, the company's largest by volume.

Spirits market loses its zing in FY25
Spirits demand in India saw a slowdown to 1.6% in fiscal year 2025. This is a drop from 4.2% the previous year. Whiskey sales saw a slight increase. Brandy and vodka sales remained steady. Policy changes in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh offered some positive developments. Globally, liquor sales also experienced a decline. China and India failed to meet growth expectations.

India-UK FTA: Duty concession on Scotch to boost premium drive of Indian distillers
Indian whisky distillers anticipate improved margins and faster growth due to duty concessions on Scotch imports under the India-UK FTA. The reduction in customs duties on bulk Scotch will lower costs, making premium spirits more affordable.

ETMarkets Smart Talk: Logistics, retail, green energy set to soar under India-UK FTA, says Charles Russell Speechlys’ Kim Lalli
As the long-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement edges closer to finalisation, optimism is running high across key industries. Kim Lalli, Partner at international law firm Charles Russell Speechlys and head of its India Desk, calls the FTA a “game-changer” that is poised to unlock vast opportunities for cross-border collaboration.

No minimum import duty condition on British alcohol under India-UK FTA: Official
India and the UK have finalized a trade agreement. It excludes minimum import prices on British liquor. Import duties on Scotch whisky will decrease gradually over ten years. This move aims to boost Indian exports to the UK. It will also attract foreign investment in the liquor sector. The agreement anticipates increased revenue and better quality exports.

Indian Spirits cos stirred up to fight a premium battle as British scotch whiskies expected to flood India at reduced prices
A new India-UK FTA deal is set to halve import tariffs on whisky and gin, potentially flooding the Indian market with cheaper premium scotch. While this benefits consumers with greater choice and affordability, domestic liquor companies face increased competition.
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India-UK FTA: Duty concessions on Scotch whisky not to significantly affect Indian market
India's Scotch whisky import duties are set to decrease gradually over ten years under the India-UK FTA. A government official stated that this reduction will not greatly affect the local market. India has become the top Scotch whisky export market by volume. The alcoholic beverage market in India is expanding rapidly.
Canada faces a summer of shortages even after Mark Carney's victory, here's the reason behind it
Canada faces a summer of shortages even after Mark Carney's victory, and the story behind it is more serious than it first seems. With U.S. President Donald Trump imposing steep tariffs on Canadian goods, Canada’s economy is feeling the heat—from rising inflation to empty grocery shelves. Despite Carney’s election win and strong stance on trade, Canadians could see job losses, higher prices, and slower growth.
Ready for a sustained re-rating? 7 stocks from the sugar sector, 5 with an upside potential of up to 48%
The first attempt to blend ethanol in gasoline to achieve the twin objectives of reducing the oil import bill and helping the sugar industry was made way back in 2001. For one or the other reason, things did not work out as planned. The effort was renewed some seven years back, amidst skepticism both in the industry and on the street. Today, however, there is a feeling that change has arrived for the sugar industry. Most companies have done capex for ethanol capacity expansion. Is the industry, once the bane of bankers, all set to emerge as a key part of the clean energy ecosystem?
Pernod Ricard's Q3 fails to end on a high on late Easter, Indian interruption and Trump turmoil
Pernod Ricard reported a 3% sales decline in the third quarter, falling short of expectations due to tariff uncertainties and specific challenges in India and China. The spirits sector faces headwinds from trade tensions, impacting cognac sales and travel retail. Despite these challenges, Pernod Ricard maintains its full-year guidance, even after recent outlook revisions.
India hunts for back taxes as world grapples with tariffs
President Trump plans new tariffs on cars, aluminum, and pharmaceuticals. India pursues foreign companies like Samsung and Volkswagen for back taxes on misclassified imports. These tax demands have raised concerns among foreign investors, yet Skoda Auto plans to invest in electric car manufacturing in India despite the ongoing tariff disputes.
How Alberta is responding to Donald Trump’s tariffs — and which other provinces have joined in
As provinces like Alberta step forward to protect their local industries, the fallout from this escalating trade conflict may have lasting effects on Canada-U.S. relations.
Alcoholic beverage makers' body seeks curb on dumping, expand market for Indian products
The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has requested the government to impose strict measures against the dumping of imported spirits and to provide better market access for domestic products. CIABC also sought a phased reduction in import duties and asked states to withdraw excise duty concessions for imported liquor due to recent customs duty cuts.
India cuts burbon whiskey tariffs to 50% amid growing US trade deal talks
India has reduced import duty on bourbon whiskey to 50 per cent as part of its efforts to negotiate a major trade deal with the US. The reduction came just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's talks with US President Donald Trump, aiming to increase bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030.
Budget 2021: Prices of imported alcoholic drinks may not change
Prices of imported alcoholic drinks may not change in the next fiscal. While the budget has reduced basic customs duty on liquor to 50% from 150%, it would be offset by the agricultural infrastructure cess of 100% imposed on tipple.
European Union whines despite India agreeing to halve import duty on its wines
India proposed to halve import duties on wines & spirits bought from the EU under the bilateral free trade agreement, but EU is demanding steeper cuts.
WTO ruling on wine duty is a damp squib
The World Trade Organisation’s appellate body has ruled in favour of an appeal made by the US against the high customs dutes imposed by India on wines and spirits.
WTO ruling on wine duty is a damp squib
The World Trade Organisation’s appellate body has ruled in favour of an appeal made by the US against the high customs dutes imposed by India on wines and spirits.
Another toast for tipplers on cards as US refuses to gulp India's SAD story
There is more good news in store for lovers of expensive wines and spirits.
Foreign wines to get cheaper despite local taxes
Prices of low-cost foreign wines will go down despite local taxes, says Commerce Ministry.
Sozzling news: Liquor ACD washed away
The government on Tuesday scrapped the additional Customs duty (ACD) on imported wines and spirits.
Additional duty on foreign liquor removed
Govt scrapped additional customs duty on foreign liquor following a complaint by the EU & US in the WTO.
Now, Japan & Chile sip with EUon wine tariff tussle at WTO
Japan and Chile have joined the group of countries mounting pressure on India to bring down its steep import tariffs on wines and spirits.
Liquor may get rid of CVD hangover from 1st
Come July 1 and your favourite foreign brand of whisky, wine or champagne will burn a smaller hole in your pocket.
PC may make imported wine dearer by increasing duties to WTO levels
Prices of foreign wines may actually go up even as the government plans to do away with additional import duties on wines and spirits that have been disputed by the EU and the US at the multilateral trade forum.
Cheers! Pay less for imported liquor
In a move to address high import duties on liquor in India, Centre & states have agreed to rejig duties.
Cheers! Govt to get rid of high duty hangover
India’s row with the EU and the US over high import duties on wines and spirits is finally expected to be resolved.
Govt to get rid of high duty hangover
India’s row with the EU & the US over high import duties on wines & spirits is expected to be resolved.
We don't wanna bottle up desire
The government is expected to bring down customs duty on imported liquor to 166% from 182% in the forthcoming budget in order to make duty structure WTO compatible.
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