{
  "id": 3856414,
  "title": "GST Council may cut 18% tax on mobile phones as handset demand slows",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/gst-council-may-cut-18-tax-on-mobile-phones-as-handset-demand-slows",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-28T00:30:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/gst-council-may-cut-18-tax-on-mobile-phones-as-handset-demand-slows-11787831366453.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The GST Council may consider reducing the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on mobile phones as demand for these devices slows, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The council aims to boost slowing handset sales and avoid the tax from hindering India's electronics manufacturing growth, said the sources. Dhirendra Kumar, a seasoned policy reporter, reported on the potential tax cut, noting that it could help revive the electronics industry. Vijay C. Roy, a journalist with over two decades of experience, covered the story, emphasizing the importance of the tax rate and its impact on India's manufacturing sector.",
  "summary": "The Council is also likely to examine whether the benefits of last year’s GST rate rationalization have been passed on to consumers, following complaints of companies restoring prices to pre-reform levels.",
  "key_points": [
    "GST Council may reduce 18% GST on mobile phones",
    "Demand slowdown prompts potential tax cut",
    "Aim to boost electronics manufacturing growth"
  ],
  "editors_take": "A potential GST cut on mobile phones would aim to boost slowing handset sales and support India's electronics manufacturing growth by alleviating tax burden.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}