India slashes bourbon whiskey tariffs

India has reduced import tariffs on bourbon whiskey from 150 percent to 100 percent, a move that will benefit the US bourbon exporter to India.

The tariff notification issued by the Indian government onFebruary 13 sets the basic customs duty at 50 percent, with an additional levy of 50 percent. Other liquor imports will continue to be taxed at 150 percent.

The decision follows US President Donald Trump's criticism of India's high trade levies, which he raised during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House this week. Trump also unveiled a roadmap for reciprocal tariffs on countries imposing high duties on US imports.

Global liquor giants like Diageo and Pernod Ricard have a strong presence in India’s  spirits market, where alcobev industry have frequently criticised the high liquor import tariffs in India.