‘Will not discuss …’: The US tells the WTO that India has no basis for implementing anti -retaliation on 29 American products.
Amidst the talks of the Indo-American trade deal, the United States on Friday informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) that India’s suggestion is a lack of foundation to suspend concessions in retaliation of American duties on steel and aluminum. Washington’s response to the WTO said, “America will not discuss Section 232 tariffs under the agreement on security measures as we do not see tariffs as a safety measure.” Section 232 gives a grant to the US President Authority to regulate imports that may potentially compromise on US national security. The US insisted, “These actions, therefore, do not protect measures”.
India and US in WTO
India had last week suggested the implementation of retrenching tariffs on 29 US products, including apples, almonds, pears, anti-friting preparations, boric acid and specific iron and steel items, which were under the WTO structure to compete with American duties on steel and aluminum, which were installed as security measures.India informed the WTO that according to the ET report, these actions will affect the imports of $ 7.6 billion in the United States.Also read Donald Trump’s latest shock for Apple’s ‘Make in India’ schemes; Announces 25% tariff on iphones outside usVikas comes at a time when India and America are in discussion to finalize a trade deal. Reports suggest that India wants to seal the first phase of the Indo-American trade deal by the beginning of Donald Trump’s mutual tariff.On March 8, 2018, the United States implemented protective measures on specific steel and aluminum products, effective from 23 March 2018 respectively, 25% and 10% advertisement Veloram duties. On February 10, 2025, it amended protective measures for steel and aluminum imports, being effective from March 12.India insisted that the United States did not inform the WTO Committee about its decision to implement security measures to the security measures. As a fairly affected export member, India sought consultation with the US administration.Also read Explained: Why India is well deployed to deal with Trump’s tariff and negative effects of top causesThe United States responded on Friday, saying that India in its response on 16 April 2025 failed to fulfill its obligations under agreement on security measures by not accepting Washington’s proposal to discuss these tariffs. As per the rules of the WTO, concessions can be suspended after conducting consultation under the agreement with the nation, which to implement protective measures. India had earlier sought counseling about these tariffs on 11 April 2025.
