Commerce Ministry Studying Impact Of U.S. Decision To Raise Tariff

The Commerce Ministry is studying the impact of duty hike by the United States on certain steel and aluminium products as India exports these goods worth about $2 billion per annum to America.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium, sparking fears of a global trade war.

Trump signed two proclamations that levied a 25 percent tariff on steel and a 10 percent tariff on aluminium imported from all countries except Canada and Mexico. The contentious tariffs will go into effect in 15 days.

“India is keeping a close watch on the development. It is studying the impact of duty hike India's exports to America,” an official said.

With hike in tariffs by the U.S. government, exports of these products to the American market will become expensive and could impact the competitiveness of domestic items.

Also Read: Trump Signs Tariff Order on Metals With Wiggle Room for Allies

As per estimates, India exports steel and aluminium goods worth $2 billion to the U.S. every year.

The official further said that if any country drags the U.S. in the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) dispute settlement panel against this decision, India could also consider joining as an observer or third party in the case.

Under the WTO norms, member countries can file a petition in the multi-lateral trade body if a decision of its trading partner does not comply with international trade rules.

As many as 17 countries, including India, had earlier expressed concern over the U.S. plans to raise tariffs during the General Council Meeting of the WTO at Geneva in Switzerland.

Also Read: Steel Has Worst Week in a Year as Trump's Tariffs Deepen Gloom

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia had said there was a global ‘disquiet' over the decision of the Trump administration to raise duties on steel and aluminium beyond the bound rate.