The duty-free access was withdrawn under its annual review of generalised system of preferences (GSP) through a proclamation signed by US President George Bush yesterday.
The changes mean exporters of gold jewellery from India, the world’s largest producer, would now have to pay an import duty of 4 per cent. The move will impact close to $1.8 billion of jewellery exports to the US, which accounts for one-third of the total shipment of $5.21 billion.
The decision would also affect exports of brass lamps, hitting the handicraft sector struggling under the impact of a hike in the rupee value. The concessions were removed on imports that exceeded the new statutory threshold established by US Congress, US Trade Representative Susan Schwab said.
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