India Standing Firm on Farm Tariff in Trade Talks with US: Reports
India has refused to budge on its stance regarding farm tariffs in trade talks with the United States, with ministries of agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries cautioning trade negotiators against offering import duty cuts to the US on key farm and livestock products, according to reports.
The development comes as trade negotiators from both countries are engaged in discussions to conclude an interim trade pact, which is expected to ease trade tensions and boost bilateral trade. However, the Indian government has made it clear that it will not compromise on its farm tariffs, which are seen as a crucial aspect of the country’s agricultural sector.
According to sources, US negotiators have been pushing for tariff relief on maize, soybean, skimmed milk powder, and poultry products, which are significant components of the US agricultural exports. However, the Indian government has maintained that it will not offer any concessions on these products, citing concerns over the impact on local farmers and the domestic agricultural sector.
The Indian government’s stance on farm tariffs is seen as a key issue in the ongoing trade talks with the US. India is one of the world’s largest producers of agricultural products, including cotton, sugar, and soybean, and any concessions on tariffs could lead to a surge in imports, potentially harming the local industry.
In recent years, the Indian government has been implementing policies aimed at promoting domestic agricultural production and reducing dependence on imports. The country has also been working to increase the production of pulses, oilseeds, and cotton, which are seen as critical components of the country’s agricultural sector.
The Indian government’s refusal to compromise on farm tariffs has been seen as a significant development in the ongoing trade talks with the US. The US has been pushing for greater market access for its agricultural products in India, which has been a major sticking point in the negotiations.
India’s stance on farm tariffs has been backed by several agricultural organizations, which have warned against offering concessions on tariffs. The All India Kisan Sabha, a leading farmers’ organization, has urged the government to reject any demands for tariff relief, citing concerns over the impact on local farmers.
“The Indian government should not compromise on farm tariffs. Any concessions on tariffs will lead to a surge in imports, which will harm local farmers and the domestic agricultural sector,” said a spokesperson for the All India Kisan Sabha.
The Indian government’s stance on farm tariffs has also been seen as a key issue in the context of the ongoing trade tensions between India and the US. The two countries have been engaged in a bitter trade war, with the US imposing tariffs on several Indian products, including steel and aluminum.
In response, India has imposed retaliatory tariffs on several US products, including apples, almonds, and walnuts. The trade tensions have been seen as a major hurdle in the ongoing trade talks between the two countries.
In conclusion, India’s refusal to compromise on farm tariffs in trade talks with the US is seen as a significant development in the ongoing trade negotiations. The Indian government’s stance is likely to be a key issue in the talks, and any concessions on tariffs could have significant implications for the country’s agricultural sector.
Source:
https://agritimes.co.in/policy-research/india-stands-firm-on-us-farm-tariff-cuts-in-trade-talks
