US firms urge Trump to address India’s 'high tariffs and trade barriers': Report

With trade tensions rising, these demands could impact future negotiations, as India seeks greater market access for its apparel exports while US industries push for fairer trade conditions.

Leading US industry groups, including the US Chamber of Commerce (USCC), the Coalition of Services Industries (CSI), and Harley-Davidson, have reportedly urged the Trump administration to push India to lower tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and regulatory restrictions to facilitate American exports.

The appeal comes as the US Trade Representative (USTR) reviews trade practices ahead of an April 2 announcement on reciprocal tariffs, as per a Business Standard report. The USCC, America’s most influential business lobby, has called for reduced import duties on pharmaceuticals, stating that it would ramp up trade and investment in India's healthcare sector, states the report. It has also raised concerns over price controls on patented medicines and medical devices, as well as the issue of counterfeit drugs.

Furthermore, in the healthcare sector, the USCC is advocating for India to allow the import of refurbished medical equipment. On the other hand, it has appealed for a reduction in the 28 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on non-alcoholic beverages, which it claims hurts US companies.

Harley-Davidson has also protested India’s 100 percent import duty on American motorcycles, compared to much lower tariffs in the US, EU, Brazil, and Thailand. Similarly, the CSI, representing firms like Google and Amazon, has criticised India’s digital trade policies, including data localisation requirements and preferential treatment for domestic payment systems.

The American Apparel & Footwear Association has flagged stringent Indian regulations that it says are forcing US companies out of the market, while US agricultural groups have called for lower tariffs on dairy, wheat, soybeans, and almonds.

With trade tensions rising, these demands could impact future negotiations, as India seeks greater market access for its apparel exports while US industries push for fairer trade conditions.