Budget 2026: What Gets Cheaper (and Why)
📉 1. Cheaper Electronics Over Time (Phones, TVs, ACs, Fridges)The 2026 budget continues India’s push to strengthen domestic electronics manufacturing by extending relaxed customs duties on key components (like parts for TVs, microwaves, etc.) for two more years. This helps producers reduce manufacturing costs.At the same time, the government halved the customs duty on personal imports of goods from 20% to 10%, which means bringing phones, fridges, ACs or other gadgets from abroad (or online overseas purchases) will cost consumers less in import duty.👉 Result: Electronics products — especially imported ones — will likely become more affordable for buyers, both in the long run (due to local manufacturing) and in the short term (via lower import duties).📱 2. mobile Phones & Tablets — GST and Customs Benefit
✅ More affordable high‑end gadgets if imported personally (lower customs duty).
✅ Continued relief on appliances like ACs, refrigerators and TVs through existing GST reforms and supportive budget measures. Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
- There has been no announcement of an increase in GST on mobile phones — the standard GST remains the same.
- But customs duty reductions on batteries and critical smartphone components aim to reduce production costs, especially for phones assembled or made in India, which could eventually result in lower retail prices.
- The lower duty on imports for personal use also means premium phones bought from abroad (by travellers or online shoppers) will cost less at customs.
- ACs and refrigerators remain in a tax slab that favours lower prices.
- Microwave ovens and similar appliances could become more affordable in the medium term as domestic manufacturing deepens.
- Almost ₹40,000 crore allocated to an electronics components scheme to build strong local supply chains for parts used in phones, appliances, etc.
- Support for semiconductor efforts and local production, which helps reduce dependence on imported high‑value components.
- Immediate price drops may not be large at retail stores (manufacturers take time to pass on savings).
- But personal imports cost less at customs from April 1 2026 due to the duty cut.
- As local manufacturing improves and components are made in India, prices of phones, refrigerators, ACs and other electronics are expected to moderate or fall more noticeably.
✅ More affordable high‑end gadgets if imported personally (lower customs duty).
✅ Continued relief on appliances like ACs, refrigerators and TVs through existing GST reforms and supportive budget measures. Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.