US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has once again targeted India’s trade practices, highlighting New Delhi’s unwillingness to import American corn. Lutnick said that unless New Delhi reduces its tariffs, India could face a “tough time” maintaining healthy trade relations with the United States.
“India brags that they have 1.4 billion people. Why won’t 1.4 billion people buy one bushel of US corn? Doesn’t that rub you the wrong way that they sell everything to us, and they won’t buy our corn. They put tariffs on everything,” Lutnick said.
Lutnick described the current trade relationship as “one way,” arguing that India benefits from access to the US market while restricting American goods. “The president says, ‘fair and reciprocal trade’,” said Lutnick, reiterating US’s stance.
He also questioned why India, with its large population, does not import even minimal quantities of US corn despite selling extensively to the US. “They put tariffs on everything,” Lutnick claimed, pointing to the limited access for US agricultural exports.
Lutnick’s remarks came during an interview where he discussed US trade relationships with major allies, including India, Canada, and Brazil.
According to Lutnick, former President Donald Trump insisted on a reciprocal approach. “Bring down your tariffs, treat us the way we treat you,” he said. Lutnick said the US seeks to “right years of wrong” through tariffs on Indian goods.
The Trump administration imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian goods, including a 25 per cent levy on India’s purchases of Russian oil—among the highest imposed on any country. Lutnick reiterated, “That’s the president’s model, and you either accept it or you’re going to have a tough time doing business with the world’s greatest consumer.”
India has officially described the US actions as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” reflecting strong disagreement with Washington’s approach.
On the other hand, New Delhi has defended its purchase of Russian crude oil, arguing that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics. This issue has added to the ongoing trade dispute.
Lutnick suggested that progress on a trade agreement could occur if India stopped importing oil from Russia. Speaking to CNBC, he said, “Well, we’re going to sort out India,” indicating that resolving energy and tariff issues is key to advancing negotiations.
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