As Trump’s new tariffs loom, will India’s trade barriers cost them an exemption?
The United States has flagged India’s strict import rules as major trade barriers, just two days before new US tariffs kick in. In a recent report, the US Trade Representative (USTR) criticized India’s high tariffs, complex customs rules, and tough quality checks on foreign goods.
Despite being called a “tariff king” by Trump, India is trying to ease tensions. Last month, New Delhi offered to cut tariffs on over $23 billion worth of US imports—its biggest concession in years.
But the US isn’t fully satisfied, pointing out that many of India’s import rules don’t match global standards.
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Non-Tariff Hurdles
India has made strict quality certifications mandatory for electronics, food, medical devices, and more. With over 700 such orders already in place, another 125 are coming soon. The US says these rules slow down trade and lack transparency.
Digital Disputes Add Fuel
Beyond goods, the US is also worried about India’s new data privacy laws, which could force foreign companies to store data locally. Rules favoring Indian payment firms over global players like Visa and Mastercard have also sparked complaints.
Will India Face Retaliation?
For now, India isn’t hitting back with counter-tariffs, hoping for an exemption. But with no US assurances yet, the stakes are high.
As Trump’s April 2 deadline nears, all eyes are on whether India’s compromises will be enough.
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