'Best': US trade chief hails India's farm market access offers
What's the story
United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has called India's trade proposals "the best offers Washington has received as a country," even as trade discussions are underway to expand market access for American farm products. The remarks were made during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing in Washington, DC. According to NDTV, Greer said a USTR team was currently "in New Delhi, as we speak," working through sensitive agricultural barriers.
Negotiation update
US-India trade talks progress under new administration
Greer admitted that while there is "resistance in India" over some row crops, New Delhi's latest proposals were a significant departure from previous positions. He praised India for being "quite forward-leaning" in these negotiations, making it a "viable alternative market" for US commodities amid high inventories and fluctuating demand from China, Moneycontrol reported.
Strategy shift
US trade strategy aims to reduce deficits, secure arrangements
Greer was reported as saying that the discussions with India are part of a larger shift in US trade policy aimed at reducing deficits and securing reciprocal arrangements globally. He pointed to progress made in Southeast Asia and Europe as evidence that these gains strengthen America's negotiating position with major partners like India. He also indicated that broader tariff and market-access issues would be raised with India beyond agriculture.
Sector expansion
US-India trade talks cover multiple sectors
The ongoing trade talks between the US and India are not limited to agriculture. Greer highlighted ongoing discussions over zero-tariff commitments for civil aviation parts under the 1979 Aircraft Agreement. He also mentioned India's potential as a major buyer of ethanol produced from US corn and soy. Additionally, several countries have agreed to open their markets to American ethanol.
Market impact
US farmers face challenges amid volatile tariffs
Lawmakers expressed concerns about American farmers facing challenges due to volatile tariffs and fluctuating Chinese purchases. Greer defended the administration's strategy of intensive negotiation backed by enforcement tools like tariffs to unlock new export opportunities. He argued that trading partners "respond to enforcement," helping reduce regulatory barriers and secure FDA approvals for medicines in foreign markets.
Trade expansion
US-India trade ties expand across various sectors
Trade ties between India and the US have steadily expanded over the past decade across sectors, such as agriculture, digital services, aviation, pharmaceuticals and critical minerals. A News18 report says that despite facing tariff and sanitary hurdles in agriculture, India continues to be one of America's fastest-growing export destinations. The talks have accelerated through the US-India Strategic Trade Dialogue and Indo-Pacific economic frameworks as both countries seek to diversify supply chains amid global geopolitical changes.