What Will Be More Expensive After Budget 2025-26?

Bhubaneswar: While the Union Budget 2025-26 provides relief in many sectors, it also increases the cost of certain luxury and non-essential goods. The government has raised import duties on high-end products to encourage domestic manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign goods. Here’s a look at what will become more expensive:

Luxury Goods & Imported Electronics

High-end gadgets and premium imports will now cost more due to increased customs duties.

• Luxury watches, high-end smartphones, and premium laptops will see price hikes.
• Branded foreign electronics will now attract higher import duties.

Foreign Branded Footwear & Apparel

• Imported luxury footwear and designer clothing will be more expensive due to increased import duties.

Foreign Liquor & Cigarettes

• Excise duty on imported liquor and tobacco products has been raised, making foreign alcohol and cigarettes costlier.
• Cigarettes, cigars, and smoking accessories will now come at a higher price.

Plastic Goods & Packaging

• Higher customs duty on single-use plastics and non-biodegradable plastic packaging means plastic products will become more expensive.

Gold & Silver Imports

• Import duty on gold and silver jewellery has been increased, making precious metals and jewellery costlier.

Certain Packaged Foods & Beverages

• Higher GST rates on sugar-based beverages and processed foods could increase prices.

The government’s focus in the budget is to boost domestic industries while discouraging luxury imports. While essential goods such as medicines, EVs, and electronics will be cheaper, high-end luxury goods, foreign liquor, tobacco, and gold will see a price increase. Consumers will need to adjust their spending based on these changes.