‘Will not discuss…’: US tells WTO that India has no foundation to impose retaliatory duties on 29 American merchandise – OXBIG NEWS NETWORK-OxBig News Network

Amidst India-US commerce deal talks, the United States of America on Friday knowledgeable the World Trade Organization (WTO) that India’s suggestion to droop concessions in retaliation to American duties on metal and aluminium lacks basis. Washington’s response to the WTO mentioned, “The US is not going to focus on Section 232 tariffs underneath the Agreement on Safeguards as we don’t view the tariffs as a safeguard measure.” Section 232 grants the US President authority to control imports that would doubtlessly compromise US nationwide safety. The US emphasised, “These actions are, due to this fact, not safeguard measures”.

India & US in WTO

India had final week prompt implementing retaliatory tariffs on 29 US merchandise, together with apples, almonds, pears, anti-freezing preparations, boric acid and particular iron and metal objects underneath the WTO framework to counter American duties on metal and aluminium, which have been imposed as safeguard measures.India notified the WTO that these actions would influence $7.6 billion price of imports into the United States, based on an ET report.Also Read | Donald Trump’s fresh blow for Apple’s ‘Make in India’ plans; announces 25% tariff on iPhones made outside USThe improvement comes at a time when India and the US are in discussions to finalise a commerce deal. Reports counsel that India is seeking to seal the primary section of the India-US commerce deal by early July earlier than Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs kick in.On March 8, 2018, the United States enacted protecting measures on particular metal and aluminium merchandise, implementing 25% and 10% advert valorem duties respectively, efficient from March 23, 2018. On February 10, 2025, it modified the protecting measures for metal and aluminium imports, taking impact from March 12.India careworn that the United States didn’t inform the WTO Committee on Safeguards about its resolution to implement protecting measures. As a considerably affected exporting member, India sought consultations with the US administration.Also Read | Explained: Why India is well positioned to deal with negative effects of Trump’s tariffs & top reasons it will be at an advantageThe United States responded on Friday, stating that India failed to satisfy its obligations underneath the Agreement on Safeguards by not acknowledging Washington’s proposal for discussions relating to these tariffs in its response dated April 16, 2025. According to WTO rules, concessions could also be suspended after holding consultations underneath the settlement with the nation implementing the protecting measure. India had beforehand sought consultations relating to these tariffs on April 11, 2025.