India will remove tariffs on most US goods: Greer

New York/Washington: India will lower tariffs on a “vast array” of American industrial and agricultural goods, such as “fruits” and “vegetables”, to zero per cent under the trade deal announced by President Donald Trump, a top US official has said. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described the deal as a “big win” while noting that India will continue to control “certain key areas” that enjoy protection.

Greer said the US will continue to maintain some level of tariff against India - 18 per cent - “because we have this giant trade deficit with them, but they’ve also agreed to reduce their tariffs for us on a variety of agricultural products, manufactured goods, chemicals, medical devices, etc. It’s an exciting opportunity for both countries.” Greer said the average tariff on industrial goods in India is currently around 13.5 per cent.

“That’s going to go to zero for virtually everything. When I say virtually, I mean 98-99%. On the agricultural side, there’s a vast, vast array of agricultural goods. So it will go to zero,” he said.