iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Trade talks between United States and India are increasingly focused on market access, with tariff barriers emerging as a major sticking point as both sides work toward a broader agreement.
At a congressional hearing on the fiscal 2027 budget, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Washington has been in discussions with New Delhi for more than a year to finalize a reciprocal trade framework. He indicated that agriculture remains one of the most sensitive areas, with tariffs limiting the competitiveness of American exports.
Among the key concerns is India’s import duty on apples, which lawmakers say has sharply reduced the presence of U.S. produce in the Indian market. U.S. apples once accounted for more than half of India’s imports in 2018, but that share has dropped significantly to under 10 percent, as suppliers from countries such as Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan expanded their foothold.
Greer told lawmakers that the U.S. is pushing for a more balanced arrangement that would allow American exporters to compete more fairly in sectors where India continues to depend on imports. He also noted that the issue has been raised repeatedly with Indian officials at senior levels.
The discussions come as the administration continues to use tariffs as part of a broader strategy to improve trade terms and expand export opportunities for American industries. Officials say several agreements have already been reached with other partners, while negotiations with India remain ongoing.
Lawmakers expressed concern that existing tariffs have not only reduced export opportunities but also increased costs for U.S. businesses and consumers, while prompting retaliatory actions from trading partners.
For American farmers, India represents a large but challenging market, with significant demand but also high barriers to entry. Without progress in reducing tariffs, lawmakers warned that U.S. exporters could continue to lose ground to competitors benefiting from more favorable trade arrangements.
Greer said talks are continuing and emphasized that no agreement has been finalized, with both sides still working through key differences before any deal is concluded.
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