India's Bid To Scrap US Tariffs On Steel, Aluminium Likely To Fall Flat

India is reportedly unlikely to get the US to roll back tariffs on steel and aluminium during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Washington later this month.

What Happened? India has requested an exemption from US steel and aluminium tariffs, offering to remove some tariffs on US agricultural goods in return, but the US is not seriously considering the proposal, sources told Reuters.

Negotiations between the two countries are ongoing ahead of Modi’s upcoming visit, with Indian officials suggesting the withdrawal of retaliatory tariffs on products like almonds and walnuts.

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The discussions have yet to yield positive results, as U.S. officials have indicated their unwillingness to exempt India from the tariffs, imposed by former President Donald Trump in 2018.

Last year, the World Trade Organization found the US tariffs in contravention of global trading rules, a decision criticised by Washington.

Indian government sources told the publication that said US negotiators were not being “flexible”, though the Indian camp hopes to reach some agreement during Modi’s visit. India is also reportedly willing to consider alternative trade arrangements from the US team.

During a congressional hearing on Wednesday, industry leaders, including the American Iron and Steel Institute, voiced support for maintaining the tariffs. Kevin Dempsey, president of the trade group, believes the US government is unlikely to agree to their withdrawal.

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