‘Will not discuss…’: US tells WTO that India has no basis to impose retaliatory duties on 29 American products

Reports recommend that India is trying to seal the primary section of the India-US commerce deal by early July. (AI picture)

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 stated, “The US will not discuss Section 232 tariffs under the Agreement on Safeguards as we do not view the tariffs as a safeguard measure.” Section 232 grants the US President authority to regulate imports that may doubtlessly compromise US nationwide safety. The US emphasised, “These actions are, therefore, not safeguard measures”.

India & US in WTO

India had final week recommended implementing retaliatory tariffs on 29 US products, together with apples, almonds, pears, anti-freezing preparations, boric acid and particular iron and metal objects below the WTO framework to counter American duties on metal and aluminium, which had been imposed as safeguard measures.India notified the WTO that these actions would impression $7.6 billion value of imports into the United States, in accordance to an ET report.Also Read | Donald Trump’s contemporary blow for Apple’s ‘Make in India’ plans; pronounces 25% tariff on iPhones made outdoors USThe growth comes at a time when India and the US are in discussions to finalise a commerce deal. Reports recommend that India is trying 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 products, 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.(*29*)India careworn that the United States did not 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 nicely positioned to take care of damaging results of Trump’s tariffs & high causes it is going to be The United States responded on Friday, stating that India failed to meet its obligations below 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 laws, concessions could also be suspended after holding consultations below the settlement with the nation implementing the protecting measure. India had beforehand sought consultations relating to these tariffs on April 11, 2025.