The United States has highlighted India’s tariff barriers as a critical issue in ongoing trade negotiations, emphasizing the need for improved market access for American exports.
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States has identified tariff barriers in India as a key priority in ongoing trade negotiations. United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer informed lawmakers that Washington is actively seeking improved market access for American exports.
During a congressional hearing focused on the fiscal 2027 budget for the Office of the United States Trade Representative, Greer stated that the U.S. has been engaged with India for over a year to finalize a reciprocal trade framework. He noted that agriculture has emerged as a central point of contention in these discussions.
“We’ve been working with the Indians for over a year… I met with their ambassador this week as well to try to bring that agreement to a conclusion,” Greer remarked.
He also mentioned that an Indian delegation is scheduled to visit the United States next week as negotiations continue.
Greer pointed out that tariff barriers remain a significant sticking point, particularly in sectors where U.S. exporters have lost market share. He specifically referenced the apple market, stating, “We have discussed apples many times… I’ve personally raised it with my counterpart,” indicating that the issue has been addressed at senior levels of government.
American lawmakers highlighted India’s 50 percent tariff on apples as a prime example of these barriers, noting that it has sharply reduced the U.S. share of the market. In 2018, U.S. apples accounted for 53 percent of India’s imports, but that share has since plummeted to approximately 8.5 percent. Meanwhile, competitors such as Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan have gained ground in the Indian market.
Greer emphasized that Washington is seeking a more balanced arrangement that would provide U.S. exporters with fair opportunities in markets where India continues to rely on imports. “To the extent India is going to be importing apples, we want them also… to be importing it from America too,” he stated, while clarifying that the U.S. is not looking to undermine India’s domestic producers.
These comments come as the Trump administration continues its broader strategy of utilizing tariffs to secure market access and reshape trade relationships. Greer noted that the United States has concluded multiple agreements with trading partners and is actively working to expand export opportunities for American farmers and manufacturers.
Lawmakers expressed concerns that tariffs have raised costs for U.S. businesses and consumers, while also triggering retaliatory measures abroad that complicate export growth. For American agricultural producers, India represents both a significant opportunity and a persistent challenge.
Without tariff reductions, lawmakers warned that U.S. exporters risk losing further ground to competitors benefiting from preferential trade arrangements with New Delhi.
Greer underscored that negotiations are ongoing and that no final deal has been reached. “Nothing’s done until it’s done in these negotiations,” he concluded.
According to IANS, the discussions surrounding these tariff barriers are crucial for the future of U.S.-India trade relations.