Trump Claims India to Impose 0% Tariff on US Goods, Says Deal Will Be Sealed Soon
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): US President Donald Trump is preparing to implement a “Unified Tariff Rate” on imports from more than 150 countries, according to media reports. Official letters detailing the new tariff structure are being sent to affected nations, with the changes expected to take effect from August 1.
Trump has already informed nearly two dozen countries, including the European Union, Japan, and South Korea, about the upcoming tariff hikes. This announcement has triggered urgent negotiations with key trade partners seeking more favorable terms.
Recently, Trump imposed a 19% tariff on Indonesian imports, effective August 1, while ensuring zero tariffs on US goods entering Indonesia under a bilateral deal. The US president hinted that a similar agreement could be reached with India, stating, “We are in talks with India. When I send the letter, the deal will happen.”
Trump highlighted that America has signed several “great deals” with friendly nations and expects India to follow the Indonesia model, potentially allowing American goods to enter Indian markets at zero tariff. However, negotiations remain complex. According to Bloomberg, Indian officials have pushed for tariffs below 10%, while the US is demanding greater market access, especially in non-agricultural sectors. India has made it clear it will not open its agriculture and dairy sectors to foreign companies but is willing to offer concessions in industrial goods.
India has also offered the US improved access for its agricultural exports and signaled potential purchases of more Boeing aircraft as part of the broader trade talks.
This development comes as the US plans to raise tariffs on most imports starting August 1. Trump has warned that countries failing to strike timely deals will face higher duties. Previously, on April 2, Trump had announced tariffs on over 100 countries, including 26% on Indian goods, but deferred the implementation for 90 days.
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