"India Sells Everything To Us But Won't Buy Our Corn": Top US Official
India brags about having 1.4 billion people but won't buy even a small amount of American corn, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said, asserting that New Delhi must bring down its tariffs or face a "tough time" doing business with the US.
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US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed the trade relationship with India is unbalanced, with India benefiting more from American markets.
New York/Washington:
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has criticized India for not purchasing American corn despite its population of 1.4 billion, suggesting that New Delhi must reduce its tariffs or risk difficulties in conducting business with the United States.
During a Saturday interview addressing whether the US is mishandling relationships with key allies like India, Canada, and Brazil through imposed tariffs, Lutnick expressed frustration about trade imbalances.
"They maintain a one-sided relationship where they access our markets while restricting us from theirs. They sell to us freely while we remain completely open, allowing them to take advantage," Lutnick stated. "President Trump advocates for 'fair and reciprocal trade'," he added.
"India proudly speaks of having 1.4 billion citizens. Why won't these 1.4 billion people purchase even a single bushel of American corn? Doesn't it seem unfair that they export everything to us but refuse to buy our corn? They impose tariffs across the board," Lutnick remarked.
He emphasized that President Donald Trump has requested India to "lower your tariffs and treat us as we treat you."
The commerce secretary also stated that "we need to correct years of trade inequities by implementing counter-tariffs until this situation is resolved."
"This represents the president's approach, and countries must either accept it or face challenges doing business with the world's largest consumer market," Lutnick declared.
The Trump administration has implemented 50 percent tariffs on India, including a 25 percent tariff specifically targeting Delhi's Russian oil purchases, among the highest rates imposed on any nation globally.
India has characterized the US measures as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable."
In defense of its Russian crude oil imports, India maintains that its energy procurement decisions are guided by national interests and market conditions.