non tariff trade barriers

Momentum towards a deal has strengthened in recent weeks. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the negotiations were nearing completion, with only a limited number of issues still unresolved. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has similarly indicated that most matters have been settled, with discussions now centred on finalising the remaining details before the first phase of the agreement is unveiled.

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a trade agreement with India soon, stating that the previous trade imbalance has now reversed. Both nations have been engaged in constructive negotiations, aiming to finalize an interim trade pact while broader discussions continue. Despite ongoing talks, concerns remain regarding potential US tariffs on imports from several economies, including India.

India and the US are nearing a trade agreement, with discussions extending beyond goods to encompass non-tariff measures, customs, and economic security. This comes as the US proposed additional tariffs on several countries, including India, over forced labor concerns. Both nations express optimism about finalizing a mutually beneficial deal soon.

The Section 301 probe launched by the US in March 2026 is a known variable in India’s trade deal talks with America. Yet, the proposal to impose duties on around 60 countries assumes significance at a time when a delegation from the US is in India to finalise terms of the India-US trade deal.

Exports Dip Nearly 5%, But State Widens Lead Over Rivals

Senior officials from India and the US are meeting in New Delhi to finalize an interim trade agreement and advance broader bilateral trade talks. Discussions will cover market access, customs, and investment, with potential recalibration of the deal due to recent US tariff changes. The agreement aims to boost trade and economic security between the two nations.

India and the US have concluded "positive and constructive" trade talks, signaling progress towards a bilateral agreement. Discussions covered goods, non-tariff measures, and economic security. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the pact, with a US envoy noting only a small percentage of issues remain unresolved, suggesting an imminent finalization.

India and the US are making rapid progress towards resolving the remaining issues in their proposed interim trade arrangement, with both countries expected to implement the first phase of the agreement by the middle of next month, Goyal said.

India and the US are nearing the finalization of an interim trade agreement, with the first tranche expected to be executed by mid-July. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that negotiations are progressing rapidly to close all outstanding issues. A high-level American delegation is scheduled to visit India later this month.

India and the United States are nearing the finalization of their first bilateral trade agreement tranche, with most key details settled. A high-level US delegation is in New Delhi for crucial negotiations, aiming to conclude an interim pact. Both nations are confident of signing the agreement soon, building on a framework established in February.

The Union government is engaging with the US concerning a Section 301 investigation into forced labor and industrial capacity. The US Trade Representative has identified India among countries with inadequate measures against goods made with forced labor, proposing potential tariffs. This occurs amidst ongoing bilateral trade deal discussions.

The USTR released the outcome of 60 investigations conducted under Section 301, identifying India among 54 economies that, according to its assessment, do not have adequate measures in place to prohibit or effectively prevent the import of goods allegedly produced using forced labour.

India and the US are nearing the finalization of a proposed trade agreement, with US envoy Sergio Gor expressing optimism for a resolution within weeks. Top negotiators are currently in New Delhi to iron out the remaining details of the interim pact. Gor also clarified that recent US tariffs were not specifically targeted at India, affecting numerous global economies.

India and the US have finalized most of the legal text for their bilateral trade agreement, with negotiations now focusing on minor details. The treaty's finalization hinges on clarity regarding the US tariff mechanism post-next month, as India seeks to maintain export advantages.

Indian exporters are closely monitoring US trade investigations and bilateral deal talks, expecting an advantage over rivals. While not overly concerned about a proposed 12.5% tariff on 54 countries, they are apprehensive about the same levy on China. Exporters are confident that ongoing negotiations will lead to mutually beneficial outcomes, especially for sectors like footwear and leather.

The US Trade Representative has proposed additional tariffs on goods from 54 economies, including India, over concerns about forced labor in supply chains. This move, stemming from a Section 301 investigation, could impact India's exports, particularly those relying on Chinese inputs, despite existing domestic prohibitions on forced labor.

The US Trade Representative has proposed a 12.5% tariff on exports from 54 countries, including India and China, citing their failure to prohibit goods made with forced labor. This move comes as US officials are in India discussing a framework agreement. The USTR's report also addresses excess capacity in several countries, potentially leading to further tariffs.

India and Oman have launched a free trade agreement, enabling concessional or zero tariffs on a vast majority of goods. Oman also offered a food security pact, willing to supply more fertilizer and petrochemicals to India. The agreement includes visa benefits for Indian workers and faster pharmaceutical approvals.

India is reviewing tariff concessions on Scotch and other goods in its trade deal with the UK. This action is contingent on the UK addressing India's concerns regarding steel quotas and duties. UK Trade Secretary Peter Kyle is set to meet with India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to resolve this deadlock.

Amidst Middle East chaos impacting the Strait of Hormuz, India's new free trade agreement with Oman, effective June 1, offers a strategic alternative. Oman's location outside the Strait provides a reliable gateway for trade and energy, as evidenced by recent import surges from the nation.

India and Australia emphasized freedom of navigation and a free, open Indo-Pacific during their Defence Ministers' Dialogue. The two nations are advancing bilateral maritime security cooperation, including joint maritime domain awareness activities and exploring enhanced undersea domain awareness, to bolster regional peace and security.

India and the UK are set to discuss contentious steel safeguard measures and the proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) this week, posing significant hurdles to their free trade agreement. New Delhi is concerned about reduced steel import quotas and potential carbon taxes impacting exports, hinting at possible retaliatory measures.

The Trump administration plans to appeal a court order allowing all importers who paid struck-down tariffs to seek refunds. This move could significantly slow down the multibillion-dollar repayment process already underway.

India and the UK are working to resolve outstanding issues, including steel quotas and duties, to expedite the implementation of their bilateral trade agreement. Discussions between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State Peter Kyle focused on overcoming these sticking points to advance economic engagement and strengthen the partnership.

Canada's economy unexpectedly contracted by 0.1% in the first quarter, marking two consecutive quarters of decline and sparking debate over a technical recession. Prolonged U.S. tariff uncertainty and geopolitical headwinds have impacted business investment and driven up domestic prices, though some economists dispute the recession label due to a lack of widespread weakness.

India and the UK are addressing key issues delaying the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) implementation, including Britain's steel safeguard measure and carbon border adjustment mechanism. These concerns could lead India to rebalance duty concessions on British products like Scotch whisky, impacting bilateral trade.