NextFin news, On Sunday, September 14, 2025, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick publicly criticized India's trade policies during remarks made in Washington, D.C. He highlighted that despite India’s population of 1.4 billion, the country has not purchased even one bushel of American corn, underscoring the challenges faced by US exporters due to India's high tariffs and restricted market access.
Lutnick stated that India sells a wide range of products to the United States but maintains barriers that prevent American goods, including corn, from entering the Indian market. He warned that unless India changes its trade stance, it will face tough times in its trade relations with the US.
The US Commerce Secretary’s comments come amid ongoing trade tensions between the two countries, with the Trump administration having previously imposed tariffs aimed at protecting American industries. Lutnick defended these tariffs as necessary measures to address unfair trade practices.
These remarks were reported by multiple news outlets including Mint, News18, The Hindu, MSN, and Times of India, all citing Lutnick’s direct statements and emphasizing the impact of India’s trade barriers on US agricultural exports.
The issue centers on India’s reluctance to import US corn, a key agricultural product, despite its large domestic demand and population size. This has been a sticking point in bilateral trade discussions, with US officials urging India to open its markets more fully to American goods.
The trade tensions reflect broader challenges in US-India economic relations, where both countries seek to balance domestic industry protection with the benefits of international trade.
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