New Delhi, Feb 1 (PTI) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed duty-free imports of certain specified inputs for promoting the country's exports of leather.

The move will help provide cushion to leather exporters who are reeling under the steep 50 per cent US tariffs.

The country's leather and leather products shipments dipped marginally 0.23 per cent to USD 3.3 billion during April-December 2025-26.

She also exempted parts used to manufacture microwave ovens from basic customs duty.

Sitharaman announced that India will develop 15 archaeological sites, including Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Sarnath, and Hastinapur.

She also proposed to extend the time period of exports of final products from six months to one year for exporters of leather, and textile garments.

Further the minister said that the government will support Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India to scale up production of assistive devices. PTI TEAM TRB

Leather exports: duty-free inputs, extended export period, and customs exemptions announced to boost competitiveness. Proposal to allow duty-free imports of specified inputs for the leather exports sector, extend the export period for final leather and textile garment products from six months to one year, and exempt parts used to manufacture microwave ovens from basic customs duty; measures also include support to scale up production at the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India and development of 15 archaeological sites.