India wants to tax duties on US steel, aluminum

(MENAFN) India has formally notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its intention to impose retaliatory duties on American goods in response to US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The US reinstated a 25% tariff on these imports in March, continuing measures initially introduced during Donald Trump’s first presidency in 2018.

According to a WTO document, India is suspending certain trade concessions in reaction to the renewed tariffs, citing a US presidential proclamation from February 2025, which took effect on March 12. India also sought consultations with Washington under the WTO’s safeguard agreement, which allows retaliatory steps if safeguard rules are not properly followed.

However, the US rejected India’s claim, stating that the tariffs were imposed on national security grounds and should not be considered safeguard measures. India contends the duties affect around $7.6 billion worth of its exports to the US.

As the world's second-largest crude steel producer, India’s move comes amid ongoing efforts to finalize a bilateral trade agreement with Washington. US Vice President J.D. Vance recently said both countries had reached an agreement on the framework for future trade negotiations.

Trade expert Ajay Srivastava noted that the WTO action could complicate talks between the two nations on a broader free trade pact. India will update the WTO’s Council for Trade in Goods and the Committee on Safeguards about its next steps. Meanwhile, New Delhi is also reportedly considering a 12% tariff on steel imports from China.

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