Festive Demand Lifts Dry Fruit and Chocolate Imports
During the festive season, India's imports of tree nuts and chocolates rose sharply. Demand for these items has been growing by about 10-12% each year. A cut in goods and services tax has made these gourmet products more affordable for buyers.
Context
GST is India's nationwide tax on most goods and services, so cuts lower the price shoppers pay. India imports much of its almonds and pistachios, so global prices and import costs also affect shelf prices.