Earlier this month India began imposing restrictions on the import of laptops, desktop computers, tablets and browsers to protect the local IT industry. Companies still wanting to import this electronic equipment need to apply for a license first with high tariffs being charged. According to a Bloomberg report, several major computer companies in the United States oppose the enforcement of these restrictions.
Apple and Intel and several major US computer manufacturers sent letters to the US Commerce Department urging India to reconsider the order. This is because it "could disrupt trade, impede efforts to integrate India more closely into global supply chains, and harm businesses and consumers in both countries".
Originally this directive came into effect immediately but has now been delayed for three months to allow the company to obtain the necessary import licence. Apple will be hit hard because the majority of their computers are manufactured in China. They have several factories in India but manufacture iPhones under the Make In India program. Since the program was launched, 98% of smartphones for local use are manufactured within India.
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