Items that might get more expensive in India post import ban on Pakistan

Though the 200% import duty imposed on Pakistani goods in 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack had effectively halted direct imports, the latest decision also prohibits the entry of Pakistani goods routed through third countries.

India has imposed a complete ban on imports of all goods from Pakistan on the grounds of national security and public policy, following last month's terror attack in Pahalgam, according to a government order.

Though the 200 per cent import duty imposed on Pakistani goods in 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack had effectively halted direct imports, the latest decision also prohibits the entry of Pakistani goods routed through third countries.

India's exports to Pakistan in April-January 2024-25 stood at $447.65 million, while imports were meagre $0.42 million. These imports were limited to niche items like figs ($78,000), Basil and Rosemary herbs ($18,856), certain chemicals, and Himalayan pink salt. The imports were $2.88 million in 2023-24.

Here we take a look at a items likely to get more expensive in India as a result of the ban:

Himalayan Pink Salt

Harvested in Pakistan's Khewra salt range, this salt might see an increase in prices after the import ban on Pakistan unless sourced from any other country or local alternatives are found, as per a report by Jagran.

Dry fruits

Dry fruits from Balochistan and Peshawar are in demand during winters and festivals. With the imports of these items decreasing, a price rise may be on the way. However, dry fruits can be sourced from local or other international producers.

Peshawari chappals, Lahori kurtas

Garments like Peshawari chappals and Lahori kurtas might become more difficult to procure, leading to increased prices of their local counterparts, as per the report.

Herbs - basil, rosemary

Small quantities of herbs like basil or rosemary were also imported from Pakistan, but the effect of the ban on such products is likely to be minimal. Similar effects can be felt on products like copper and raw hides.

How will the ban affect India?

Commenting on India's decision, think tank GTRI said that India does not depend on Pakistani goods, so the economic impact is minimal.

"However, Pakistan still needs Indian products and may continue accessing them through third countries through recorded and unrecorded routes. India's already minuscule imports from Pakistan will now drop to zero. No one in India will miss anything except perhaps Himalayan pink salt (sendha Namak), extracted from salt deposits of Pakistan," GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava said.

With PTI inputs