New Delhi, Nov 2 (KNN) India extended the deadline for the imposition of higher customs duties on as many as 29 US products by another 45 days until December 17, the government said.

India’s exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at USD 47.9 billion, while imports were USD 26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favor of India.

Meanwhile, the US ended duty-free concessions on import of about 50 Indian products, mostly from handloom and agriculture sectors.

The 29 products on which the deadline has increased include almond, walnut and pulses.

Import duty on walnut is to be hiked to 120 per cent from 30 per cent, duty on chickpeas, Bengal gram (chana) and masur dal will be hiked to 70 per cent from 30 per cent. Levy on lentils will be hiked to 40 per cent from 30 per cent.

Other products which would attract higher duties include boric acid, phosphoric acid, diagnostic reagent, flat rolled products of iron, certain flat rolled products of stainless steel.

India is pressing for exemption from high duty imposed by the US on certain steel and aluminum products, resumption of export benefits to certain domestic products under their generalized system of preferences (GSP), greater market access for its products from sectors, including agriculture, automobile, auto components and engineering.

The commerce ministry had asked its finance counterpart to extend the deadline for the rollout of duty hike further.

This is the third time when India increased the deadline.

In June, India decided to impose retaliatory tariffs from August 4. But it was extended by another 45 days till September 18 and then again till November 2.