US Tariff Row: India gave a blunt answer to America, will not accept unilateral tariff increase

Knews Desk– on Indian products by America 12.5 percent additional tariff India has lodged a strong protest against the proposal to install it. The Government of India has clarified that the resolution of trade related disputes between the two countries Not by increasing fees unilaterallybut should be through mutual dialogue and bilateral consensus. In this sequence, India US Trade Representative (USTR) Has demanded reconsideration of the proposed tariff. India says that there have been strong trade relations between the two countries for a long time and such matters should be resolved only through dialogue. Section 301 of the US Trade Act Serious questions have also been raised on the investigation conducted under this. In this investigation many countries including India were allegedly Forced Labor Issues related to import of products made from it have been mentioned. India argues that the report has several factual and legal deficiencies and the conclusions presented in it are not based on sufficient and credible evidence. India said that solid evidence is necessary before imposing comprehensive trade restrictions or additional duties on any country.

8th July Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce on behalf of the Government of India during the public hearing held on Brij Mohan Mishra Represented the country. He said that India is fully committed against any practice like bonded labour. This is not only in line with the spirit of the Indian Constitution but also part of international labor standards and global commitments. He said that India is continuously working towards labor reforms and strengthening the transparent trade system. India also objected that USTR in its report 46 countries including India have been kept in the same category, whereas the economic, social and legal circumstances of each country are different. According to India, the report did not explain why the need was felt to impose additional tariffs on the entire country. The government says that it is not appropriate to draw conclusions against the entire country on the basis of some selected cases and general business trends. Neither enough in the report country specific and neither industry specific Evidence has been presented.

India has also questioned America’s claim that Indian policies are causing unfair competitive disadvantage to American industries. India says that USTR has not yet been able to present any concrete evidence to prove that American companies have suffered real loss due to the Indian import regime. In such a situation, the basis for imposing additional duty appears weak and unbalanced. Many industry organizations also spoke in favor of India in the public hearing. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Said that rice is imported into India in very limited quantities and only to meet the needs of specific varieties. Whereas, industry organizations FICCI And CII The US also opposed the proposed tariff, saying that its impact will not be limited to Indian exporters only, but American companies and consumers there will also have to face costlier products.

It is noteworthy that USTR in March this year section 301 This investigation was started under. The opinions, objections and suggestions of all concerned parties will be considered before taking the final decision. India has reiterated that it is ready to continue constructive dialogue with the US on this issue, so that a balanced and acceptable solution can be found keeping in mind the trade and economic interests of both the countries.