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The $35 billion spirits sector in India is home to numerous international liquor companies, including Diageo and Pernod Ricard.
India cuts boubon whisky tariff to 100 per cent.
India has reduced tariffs on bourbon whisky to 100 per cent from 150 per cent amidst the ongoing tariffs issue with Donald Trump-led United States of America. The decision will lead to cheaper US-based bourbon whisky like Jack Daniels or Jim Beam in the country, benefitting the customers with less burden on their pockets.
According to the Indian government’s notification dated February 13, 2025, the basic customs duty for bourbon whisky will be 50 per cent, with an additional levy of 50 per cent, taking it a total of 100 per cent hereafter.
Bourbon whisky is primarily made from corn (maize). It is distilled from a fermented mash of grain, yeast and water.
There are no changes on imports of other liquor products.
India’s decision to reduce the tariff on bourbon whisky came during the two-day bilateral visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States of America.
The $35 billion spirits sector in India is home to numerous international liquor companies, including Diageo and Pernod Ricard, and business leaders have frequently criticized India’s high import tariffs.
PM Modi-Donald Trump Meet
Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his USA visit discussed with US President Donald Trump on the bilateral partnership, including in the areas of defence, energy, and critical technology.
Trump announced plans to firm up “some wonderful trade deals” for India and the US.
“We are going to work with India also. We have separate big trade deals to announce in the very near future. We are going to make some wonderful trade deals for India and for the US,” Trump said while talking about his administration’s trade policy.
PM Modi said that India and the US have set a USD 500 billion target for bilateral trade by 2030 and added that the teams of two nations will work together to finalise a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
