India’s Union Budget 2026, presented on Sunday, is set to have a broad impact across sectors. In consumer technology and home appliances, the changes are expected to unfold gradually. The shift stems from the government’s decision to grant duty exemptions on key components used in manufacturing consumer tech products, a move that is likely to lower production costs and, over time, translate into more affordable prices for consumers.
No significant customs duty reductions have been announced for consumer tech products such as smartphones, laptops, wearables and tablets. However, duty relief on certain appliance components, including parts used in microwave ovens, could marginally reduce the cost of microwaves for consumers over time.
PCs and laptops: Laptop prices are unlikely to see a direct reduction. However, manufacturing incentives could enable brands to strengthen local production, improve configurations, and offer better value at existing price points rather than lowering prices outright.
Smartphones: For smartphones, no immediate price changes are expected for smartphones following Budget 2026. Over the course of the year, entry-level and budget models may see marginal price relief or improved feature offerings as manufacturers adjust to incentives. Premium smartphones, however, are unlikely to benefit and will continue to attract existing tax levels.
TVs, home appliances and electronics: With duty exemptions on select components and manufacturing inputs, Budget 2026 lowers production costs for these categories. While prices may not fall immediately, the policy creates room for gradual reductions as savings begin to flow through the supply chain.
Following Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s emphasis on the Orange Economy in the Union Budget, the AVGC sector is expected to see increased domestic participation. Industry watchers may anticipate more Indian brands entering the gaming peripherals space, focusing on locally manufactured, affordably priced products aimed at aspiring gamers, animators and digital creators, thereby widening access to creative technology tools across the country.
