Apple and other US companies signed a letter opposing India’s unexpected launch of tech import restrictions this month. The joint letter has been filed with multiple US government departments urging them to engage directly with their Indian counterparts to revise the latter’s import strategy, according to a recent Bloomberg report.
In a letter addressed to US authorities this week, a coalition of eight American trade groups representing major technology figures has appealed to the Department of Commerce and the US Trade Representative. Their request is for these entities to encourage India to reevaluate its recent policy decision, in which the country intends to enforce a new licensing mandate for technology imports starting from November 1. The mandate encompasses a wide range of products including laptops, tablets, servers, and even components used in data centers.
The trade groups claim that import restrictions “could significantly disrupt trade, hamper efforts to more closely integrate India into global supply chains, and harm businesses and consumers in both countries,” reads a joint memo seen by Bloomberg. Initially slated for immediate implementation earlier this month, the policy’s enforcement was postponed by three months by authorities. This extension was granted to give impacted companies ample time to acquire the necessary licenses.
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Various industry associations from the US, such as the Information Technology Industry Council, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Semiconductor Industry Association, have expressed their opposition to the proposed licensing regulations. They argue that these rules have the potential to disrupt the export of American-manufactured computers and electronics to India, impede the free movement of goods, and create complexities in business operations for all participating nations.
While India did not provide a specific rationale for the alteration in regulations, the adjustment is believed to be part of an initiative to boost and enhance domestic manufacturing. This action aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Made in India” campaign, which aims to foster local production within the technology sector. Earlier this month, it was revealed that Apple has temporarily suspended the importing of iPad and Mac into the country as a result of the importing restrictions in question.
