Union Budget 2025: What Is Costlier, What Is Cheaper Now?

New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday presented the Union Budget 2025-26, outlining a roadmap for India’s continued economic expansion, emphasising agriculture, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), investment, and exports.

Ms Sitharaman emphasised that the Budget is dedicated to accelerating growth and driving India’s aspirations toward becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India).

Some items will become cheaper due to tax reductions, while others could see price hikes due to increased duties or new taxes. Ms Sitharaman proposed to exempt customs duty on life-saving drugs.

Let’s take a look at what’s getting cheaper and what will be costlier:

What’s Cheaper?

Carrier Grade internet switches

Lithium-ion batteries

Frozen fish

Frozen Fish Paste (Surimi) – Customs duty will be reduced from 30% to 5%

Synthetic flavouring essences

Leather belts

Leather shoes

Leather jackets

Marine products

Raw materials for manufacturing ships

Cobalt products

36 life-saving medicines

What’s Costlier?

Interactive flat panel display

Knitted fabrics