Steel, Aluminium Tariff Issue Likely to Surface in Upcoming India-US Officials’ Meet

The issue of US-imposed tariffs on Indian steel and aluminium is expected to be a key agenda item during a meeting between Indian and US officials scheduled for next week, a senior government official has said.

India has raised concerns with the United States over the re-imposition of duties, and both sides are likely to revisit the matter as part of ongoing trade discussions. The development comes amid efforts by both nations to strengthen bilateral economic ties while addressing lingering trade disputes.

The United States had initially imposed a 25% tariff on certain steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminium products in 2018, citing national security concerns under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. In response, India imposed retaliatory tariffs in June 2019 on 28 US goods, including agricultural items such as almonds and walnuts.

The dispute had also reached the World Trade Organization (WTO), where both countries later arrived at a mutually agreed solution (MAS), resolving the matter temporarily. However, the re-emergence of the tariff issue suggests that further negotiations may be necessary.

“The matter was previously resolved amicably under a MAS at the WTO. We expect it to be discussed again during the upcoming meeting,” the official noted.

The upcoming discussions are part of ongoing efforts by both countries to address trade frictions and promote a more balanced economic partnership. Industry stakeholders in both nations will be closely watching the outcomes of the dialogue, which could impact future trade flows and tariff policies.