The term “imperial preference” was applied to the

The term imperial preference refers to a system of reciprocal tariff concessions between different parts of the British Empire. In the context of India, it specifically meant providing special privileges and lower custom duties on British imports compared to goods coming from other countries. This policy was formally adopted following the Ottawa Conference of 1932 to protect British manufactured goods from international competition and to ensure that the Indian market remained dominated by British products. While it benefitted British industries, it was widely criticized by Indian nationalists as it disadvantaged local Indian industries and limited Indias ability to trade freely with other nations.