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NEW DELHI: In its Union Budget for 2025-26, India has substantially reduced customs duties on premium motorcycles, cars, and smartphone components. This development appears advantageous for American companies such as Harley-Davidson, Tesla, and Apple, following remarks by US President Donald Trump describing New Delhi as a “tremendous tariff maker.”
Nonetheless, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the adjustment of customs duties is aimed at promoting self-reliance within the Indian economy and is not a reaction to Trump’s tariff announcements.
“We are focusing on our own economy and aiming to fortify the foundations of the Indian economy to transform it into a manufacturing hub,” she asserted.
During her budget presentation on Saturday, Ms. Sitharaman disclosed a reduction in import duties for high-end motorcycles, with engine capacities up to 1,600cc imported as completely built-up (CBU) units, from 50 per cent to 40 per cent.
According to the Union Budget for 2025-26, the import duty on semi-knocked down (SKD) kits has decreased to 20 per cent from 25 per cent. Furthermore, completely knocked down (CKD) units will now incur a tax of 10 per cent, down from 15 per cent.
This shift is set to enhance the import of quintessentially American Harley-Davidson motorcycles into India, as the previous high tariffs have been a longstanding issue between India and the US.
Harley-Davidson began its journey in India in 2010, following the “mangoes for motorcycles” agreement established between India and the US in 2007. However, the American motorcycle manufacturer withdrew from the Indian market about ten years later, in September 2020, as part of broader downsizing efforts.
Nonetheless, a month later, Harley-Davidson re-entered the Indian market after Hero MotoCorp Ltd formed a non-equity partnership with the American brand to manufacture and distribute its motorcycles in India. Currently, Hero MotoCorp produces and sells the Harley-Davidson 440X, the smallest model in the brand’s lineup.
During his first term in office, Trump raised concerns regarding the 50 per cent import duty on Harley Davidson motorcycles, deeming it “unacceptable.”
Separately, Ms. Sitharaman announced that the tariff on luxury cars, including station wagons and racecars valued over $40,000, has been reduced from 125 per cent to 70 per cent. Additionally, the basic customs duties on lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles in India have been eliminated.
Most of the aforementioned EV manufacturers are already operational in India, developing vehicles tailored for the Indian market. However, this move could serve as a lure for American companies like Tesla, which is keenly observing the expanding Indian EV landscape.
In April 2024, Tesla CEO Elon Musk planned a visit to India to meet PM Modi, fueling speculation about potential investments in the country. However, he canceled the trip due to “very heavy Tesla obligations.”
In the 2025-26 budget, Ms. Sitharaman confirmed that customs duties on 28 items related to mobile phone battery production from countries such as the US and China have been waived. This initiative aims to lower the cost of mobile phones and accessories in India while bolstering local production, particularly as India progresses towards becoming the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer.
Apple stands to gain significantly from these reductions in import taxes. A report from Reuters indicates that Apple secured a 23 per cent share of total revenue in 2024.
As US President Trump advocates for prioritizing domestic industry under his “America First” trade policy, India’s recent adjustments to import taxes are perceived as a strong signal to the American administration, seeking assurance against increased taxes or additional trade barriers directed at Indian goods.
Previously, Trump asserted that India imposes the highest tariffs on foreign items compared to major economies and threatened to enforce reciprocal tariffs on Indian products. He also warned of 100% tariffs on BRICS nations, including India, if they moved away from the US dollar.
Speculation arises that with the tax reductions on imports, India aims to capitalize on the US-China trade conflict and augment its own presence in global supply chains. Trump’s tariffs are becoming disruptive to global trade, creating uncertainty in the market. With the import tax reductions, India should be better positioned to navigate a potentially unpredictable year, as reported by Reuters.
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Aquí tenéis un vídeo de una Harley que tuve la suerte de probar por el pais de Andorra. El tiempo que me la dejaron fue escaso y …
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Exciting news for motorcycle enthusiasts!
In a strategic move benefiting the iconic American brand Harley-Davidson, India has announced a reduction in import duties on premium motorcycles.
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This change is set to make Harley-Davidson motorcycles more attainable for riders throughout the country.
The longstanding tariff on Harley-Davidson has been a contentious issue between India and the United States.
So, what prompted India to lower the import duties on these bikes now? What effects will this have on sales and the market?
Let’s dive in:
Reasons for the Reduced Prices of Harley-Davidson in India
The import duty on motorcycles with engine sizes up to 1,600 cc, brought in as completely built-up (CBU) units, has decreased from 50% to 40%.
For larger motorcycles exceeding 1,600 cc, the reductions are even more significant.
The tariff on semi-knocked down (SKD) kits has been reduced from 25% to 20%, while completely knocked down (CKD) units will now incur a tax of 10% instead of 15%.
This tariff issue has been a long-standing point of contention between India and the United States, with former US President Donald Trump repeatedly advocating for its reduction. The announcements made in the Budget 2025 have helped alleviate these tensions.
With these duty reductions, Harley-Davidson motorcycles are expected to become more affordable, potentially expanding their customer base and boosting sales and market share for the brand.
While the basic customs duty on cars and other vehicles has also been lowered, its effect on effective duty rates remains unclear.
In the Union Budget for 2025-26, the government has introduced an Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) on the imports of such two-wheelers, whether as CBU, SKD, or CKD units.
The tax rationalization aims to lower prices compared to prior rates.
This initiative is perceived as an attempt by the Indian government to create a fair competitive environment for international manufacturers by decreasing tariff barriers in sectors where India has a robust supply chain, as stated by Saurabh Agarwal, Partner & Automotive Tax Leader at EY, in an interview with The Hindu BusinessLine.
The Trump Influence: ‘America First’ Trade Policy
This decision is interpreted as a significant signal to the new US administration under Trump. The previous US President’s administration consistently advocated for the reduction of trade barriers, especially concerning products made in the United States.
Prior to this, Trump highlighted that India imposed the highest tariffs on foreign products among major economies and even threatened to apply reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods.
“One of the most critical elements of my plan to revitalize the American economy is reciprocity. It’s vital because we usually don’t impose tariffs. I initiated that process with vehicles like vans and small trucks, etc. While we don’t impose high tariffs, China has a 200 percent tariff, and Brazil imposes significant charges. India ranks as one of the highest,” Trump stated in a notable economic policy address.
In an interview with CBS News, Trump expressed, “We are not the naïve country that suffers as poorly. India is a close friend of mine, Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, has implemented a 100 percent tax on motorcycles. We don’t charge them a penny.”
“Thus, when Harley exports there, they face a 100 percent duty. Conversely, when they import into India, there are no taxes. I informed him it is unacceptable,” he added.
VIDEO | Reiterating his stance on tariffs, US President Donald Trump (@realDonaldTrump) spoke in Miami, stating, “Outside forces that genuinely wish us harm, but wish to improve their own country, look at others such as China which imposes tremendous tariffs. pic.twitter.com/NDW8v1WYUG
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2025
“Through one phone call, he (Modi) reduced it by 50 percent. Yet, I still find it unacceptable because 50 percent against nothing still poses an issue. They are currently addressing this,” he further mentioned.
In December of the previous year, Trump clarified that his administration would adopt a tit-for-tat stance, saying, “If they impose taxes on us, we will impose the same on them.”
“Reciprocity is crucial, as it raises the question: If India levies a 100 percent tax, why shouldn’t we charge them proportionately? They send us bicycles, and we send them bicycles. They impose significant duties, while we do not,” he said.
Trump’s view aligns with his “America First” trade policy, focusing on safeguarding American workers and families. In his inauguration speech, he proclaimed that his policies would reinstate the US as a manufacturing power.
It’s important to note that Trump has also hinted at the possibility of imposing 100% tariffs on BRICS countries, including India, should they attempt to steer away from utilizing the US dollar. The BRICS group comprises ten nations: Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar clarified in December that India has never favored de-dollarisation and that no proposals exist for a BRICS currency.
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Other Possible Customs Duty Reductions in India
India’s strategic focus is on fostering domestic manufacturing.
As reported by News18, the government is contemplating customs duty cuts on approximately seven to eight premium products, including specialized steel, high-end motorcycles, and electronic devices.
The duty on luxury vehicles priced over $40,000 has been decreased from 125% to 70%, including models like station wagons and racecars, as reported by NDTV Profit.
At present, the Harley-Davidson 440X—the smallest model in their line— is being co-manufactured and sold in India by Hero MotoCorp. The company has recorded sales of 12,188 units of both the Harley-Davidson X440 and the X440-based Hero Mavrick 440 from April to December 2024.
With contributions from various agencies
In a promising move for the new US administration under President Donald Trump, India has reduced the import duty on high-capacity motorcycles in the Union Budget 2025-26, providing a significant advantage for the American brand Harley-Davidson.
Motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 1,600 cc, imported as completely built-up (CBU) units, will now incur a 40% import duty, down from the previous 50%, as outlined in the Budget documentation.
The import duty on semi-knocked down (SKD) kits has been lowered to 20%, from 25% previously.
For completely knocked down (CKD) units, the tax rate will be set at 10%, reduced from 15% earlier.
The government’s objective is to encourage domestic manufacturing.
Reports also indicate that India is considering a reduction in customs duty on approximately seven to eight high-end products, including specialized steel, luxury motorcycles, and electronic goods.
Currently, the Harley-Davidson 440X – the smallest model in the brand’s lineup – is co-manufactured and sold in India by Hero MotoCorp.
Additionally, the Budget specified that high-end cars priced over $40,000 will now face a tariff of 70%, down from 125%, reflecting the increasing demand for luxury vehicles in the country.
Hero MotoCorp, which produces the Harley-Davidson X440 and the X440-based Hero Mavrick 440, reported sales of 12,188 units for these two models during the April-December 2024 timeframe.
This marks a year-on-year growth of 77%, giving Hero MotoCorp a 13% share of this market segment.
The Made-in-India Harley-Davidson is manufactured at Hero’s Garden Factory in Neemrana, Rajasthan.
It is available in three variants – Denim (₹2.40 lakh), Vivid (₹2.60 lakh), and S (₹2.80 lakh) – with 8,974 units sold between April and December 2024, representing a 31% increase according to industry data.
(This content was sourced from a syndicated feed and only edited for style by the Gujarat Samachar Digital team)
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