As Trump’s Reciprocal Tariff Deadline Nears, India Open to Reducing Duties on 50% of US Imports: Report

New Delhi: With the Trump administration preparing to implement reciprocal tariffs starting April 2, India is considering reducing tariffs on over 50% of U.S. imports.

According to a report published by news agency Reuters, India may cut tariffs on U.S. goods worth $23 billion as part of the first phase of a trade agreement the two countries are currently negotiating, citing official sources.

India To Go For Tariff Cut on US Imports?

As part of the deal, India is willing to reduce tariffs on 55% of U.S. goods it imports, which are currently taxed between 5% and 30%, the report added. 

Earlier, the Union government on March 22 informed Parliament that India and the United States are mutually working on reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers and a bilateral process is underway to resolve key trade issues bilaterally.

In a written reply,  Union Minister of State (MoS) for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada mentioned that currently there has been “no imposition” of reciprocal tariffs by the US on India.

“As on date, there has been no imposition of country specific including reciprocal tariffs by U.S. on India,” Minister informed Rajya Sabha in a written reply to the question of CPI (M) MP John Brittas.

When Will Trump Impose Reciprocal Tariff on India

On multiple occasions, US President Trump has reiterated his threat to impose reciprocal US tariffs on India starting April 2.

“I have a very good relationship with India, but the only problem I have with India is that they are one of the highest tariffing nations in the world. I believe they are probably going to be lowering those tariffs substantially, but on April 2, we will be charging them the same tariffs they charge us,” Trump was quoted as saying by a US news network.

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The United States President Donald Trump 's reciprocal tariffs can affect exports of several sectors including steel, aluminium, gems and jewellery, and pharmaceutical products, among others.