<h1>India Lowers Average Customs Duty to 10.66%, Aims for Simpler Tariff and Enhanced Competitiveness</h1> India has reduced its average customs duty to 10.66% from 11.65%, aligning closer to Southeast Asian levels, according to a senior government official. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) aims to simplify the tariff structure, enhance competitiveness, and ease the tax regime. The reduction counters claims by developed nations, like the US, of India having high tariffs. The government has streamlined basic customs duties, reducing the number of levies to eight, while maintaining effective rates through cess adjustments. This initiative supports trade competitiveness and the availability of critical minerals for manufacturing and clean energy transitions.