India proposes retaliatory duties against US Steel, aluminium tariffs at WTO

WTO

India has proposed imposing retaliatory duties on the United States under WTO norms in response to American tariffs on steel and aluminium, which were introduced as safeguard measures. According to a WTO communication, these U.S. safeguard measures would impact $7.6 billion worth of imports of relevant Indian-origin products, with an estimated duty collection of $1.91 billion.

Earlier in April, India requested consultations with the United States under the WTO's safeguard agreement, following the US decision to impose new tariffs.

In response to India's request for consultation, the US informed the WTO that the tariffs were imposed on national security grounds and should not be regarded as safeguard measures.

On March 8, 2018, the US implemented safeguard measures on certain steel and aluminum products, imposing tariffs of 25 percent and 10 percent ad valorem, respectively, which took effect on March 23, 2018. These measures were extended in January 2020.

On February 10 of this year, the US revised its safeguard measures again, extending them indefinitely starting March 12, 2025, and imposing a 25 percent tariff.

India, in its notification to the WTO, announced its intent to suspend concessions and other obligations in response to the US safeguard measures on steel, aluminum, and related products, as outlined in a Presidential Proclamation dated February 10, 2025, with the measures set to take effect on March 12, 2025.

The WTO communication, dated May 9, 2025, was circulated at India's request. It noted that although the US has not formally notified these measures to the WTO, they are effectively considered safeguard measures.