US examines India duty announcement on wine, spirits

Washington, July 7: The United States is examining New Delhi's announcement that it had dropped a duty on imported beer, wine and spirits after leading trade powers challenged its tariffs at the World Trade Organisation.

''We are studying India's recent announcement that it has withdrawn the additional duty on imports of alcoholic beverages,'' US Trade Representative Susan Schwab said in a statement today.

Earlier this month, India said it had withdrawn an additional customs duty for the beverages after both the EU and the United States filed challenges at the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body. But it also raised another duty.

''Withdrawal of this duty would be a positive step in addressing US concerns,'' Schwab said.

Reuters>