Experts: Questions Remain About Scope, Timeline of India Tariff Deal

Leading trade publication International Trade Today quoted Covington International Trade lawyer Arun Venkataraman in a detailed analysis of the Trump administration’s decision to slash U.S. tariffs on most Indian goods from 50 percent to 18 percent, examining the critical questions that remain about the deal’s timing, scope, and implementation.

Arun, a former Commerce Department and USTR official, noted that the announcement makes clear the two countries are still in the early stages of the process. On the U.S. export side, he pointed to possible tariff reductions in wine and spirits and tree nuts, as well as the potential removal of non-tariff barriers for ICT products and medical devices — longstanding priorities for U.S. companies. Arun estimated that an interim agreement could be reached “in the next 2–3 months,” given recent progress, but cautioned that formal action will be required on India’s side as well. “Certain changes agreed to in the Interim Agreement, such as tariffs, will require Cabinet approval and legislation in Parliament on the Indian side,” he said.