US Firms Join Trump's Tariff Salvo on India

Appeal to USTR Before Reciprocal Tariffs Kick In on April 2

- ASIT RANJAN MISHRA

Industry associations and companies in the United States, including the US Chamber of Commerce (USCC), Coalition of Services Industries (CSI), and the iconic bike company Harley-Davidson have called on the Donald Trump dispensation to push India to reduce tariffs, non-tariffs, and regulatory barriers to boost American exports.

Their appeal comes as part of the review of unfair trade practices by partner countries launched by the US Trade Representative (USTR) ahead of the announcement of reciprocal tariffs on April 2.

The USCC, the largest business lobbying group in the US, asked for reduced import duties by India on pharmaceuticals to "enhance access to affordable medicines for Indian consumers but also promote greater trade and investment in the health-care sector."

The chamber has also called for a potential trade agreement to include provisions to allow for "dual-location of pharmaceutical manufacturing" that could strengthen the global supply chain.

It highlighted price controls on patented medicines and medical devices like stents and knee implants under the National List of Essential Medicines and trade margin rationalisation policies deterring pharmaceutical investments as well as the menace of counterfeit drugs in India.

It wants India to allow the import of refurbished/reused medical equipment including CT scanners and other advanced surgical systems.

The USCC also called for reducing the 28 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on non-alcoholic aerated beverages under the classification of sin/demerit goods that adversely impact the profitability of American companies.