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Citing data available with the Directorate-General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics (DGCI&S), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology informed the Lok Sabha that the value of import of televisions from Vietnam saw a 37-fold increase to ₹2,317 crore in 2018-19, compared to ₹62 crore in 2017-18.
Overall, televisions worth ₹7,224 crore were imported in 2018-19 and China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan were among the top five countries for such imports, according to government data. The value of total television imports last financial year was higher than ₹4,962 crore recorded in 2017-18.
In a written reply to a query raised in the Lok Sabha, the Ministry said the Indian Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA) has suggested temporary suspension of imports from Vietnam for three months as an immediate measure,“pending comprehensive investigation.”
Under the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement, imports of televisions attracts nil basic Custom duty. Import of TVs from non-FTA countries attracts a basic Customs duty of 20 per cent, the Ministry added.
“The Government has taken several steps for promotion of domestic manufacturing of televisions which includes rationalisation of tariff structure and exclusion of Flat Panel (LCD/LED/Plasma) Televisions from duty-free allowance under the baggage rules. As a result, about 80 per cent of the domestic demand of television is being met out of domestic production,” the Ministry stated.
“As per the Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA) in 2018-19, out of domestic demand of 1.5 crore televisions, 1.2 crore televisions were manufactured domestically,” the Ministry pointed out in its reply.
Replying to a query on the extent to which the electronics industry of the country is likely to be benefited by the “said” ban, the Ministry stated, “ICEA has claimed that actions suggested by them, including temporary suspension of import of televisions from ASEAN countries ( including Vietnam) are likely to lead to an increase in production by ₹3,000 crore per annum and add about 15,000 direct and indirect jobs.”
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