Tough sail on trade winds

India, US work to bring tariffs on par in several items; move to avert Trump's reciprocal tariffs

- 

India-US trade discussions that kicked off on Wednesday focused on reducing India's tariff levels on goods imported from the US to the same levels as what US levies on such imports from India, two people aware of the talks said. The effort aims to avert reciprocal tariffs that US president Donald Trump has promised to roll out on 2 April.

Discussions focused on bringing Indian duties on US products in line with the tariff levels imposed by the US on Indian goods.

In return, India sought relief from US compliance burden on shrimp, processed food items, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, among others, the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity.

A US delegation led by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch will hold meetings with Indian officials over three days till 28 March.

One of the key points under negotiation is India's 30% duty on US shrimp, which could be lowered to match the 5.77% duty imposed on Indian shrimp in the US.

Alongside, discussions are underway to adjust tariff disparities in other sectors.

Currently, Indian exports of plastics and related articles face 4.38% duty in the US, while US products face 9.95% duty in India.