India slashes tariffs on bourbon whiskey after Trump criticism

India has reduced its tariff on bourbon whiskey from 150% to 100%, a move that is expected to benefit imports of popular US brands like Suntory's Jim Beam. This change comes a day after US President Donald Trump criticised India's "unfair" tariffs on American goods, particularly in the alcohol sector.

The move is expected to benefit imports of popular US whiskey brands like Suntory's Jim Beam.(Representational image)

In a notification dated February 13 but only drawing media attention on Friday, Centre announced that the basic customs duty on bourbon whiskey would now be set at 50%, with an additional 50% levy, totaling 100%. Previously, these imports faced a hefty 150% tax. However, this reduction only applies to bourbon, with no changes to tariffs on other liquor products, which continue to be taxed at 150%.