Last week, India proposed to impose retaliatory duties on 29 American products including apples, almonds, pears, anti-freezing preparations, boric acid and certain products made of iron and steel under the WTO to counter the American tariffs on steel and aluminium in the name of safeguard measures. New Delhi told the WTO that these measures would affect $7.6 billion imports into the US.
“The US will not discuss Section 232 tariffs under the Agreement on Safeguards as we do not view the tariffs as a safeguard measure,” Washington told the WTO.
Section 232 authorises the US President to adjust the imports of goods which can threaten to impair the US’ national security.
“These actions are, therefore, not safeguard measures”.
On March 8, 2018, the US promulgated safeguard measures on certain steel and aluminium articles by imposing 25% and 10% ad valorem tariffs respectively on such products with effect from March 23, 2018. On February 10, 2025, it revised the safeguard measures on imports of steel and aluminium articles, effective from March 12.
New Delhi said that the US failed to notify the WTO Committee on Safeguards on taking a decision to apply safeguard measures and as an affected member with significant export interest, it has requested consultations with Washington.
On Friday, the US also said that India did not comply with the obligations under the Agreement on Safeguards as it didn’t acknowledge Washington’s offer to discuss these tariffs in its response dated April 16, 2025. As per WTO norms, concessions can be suspended upon holding consultations under the agreement with the country which applies the safeguard measure.
India had earlier requested consultations over these tariffs on April 11, 2025.
Content Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com