US Commerce Secretary Lutnick slams India’s farm trade barriers, pushes for market access

US Commerce Secretary criticises India’s farm trade restrictions.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has renewed criticism of India’s trade barriers, especially in agriculture, as Washington seeks greater access to global markets for American farmers.

In an interview with ABC, Lutnick said: “Our farmers are finally going to have access to the world's markets. Our farmers have never had the opportunity to sell corn in India — so what's going to happen is as they sell more and more products, prices will come down.”

Commerce Secretary @howardlutnick: "Our farmers are finally going to have access to the world's markets. Our farmers have never had the opportunity to sell corn in India so what's going to happen is as they sell more and more products, prices will come down." pic.twitter.com/Iieh4g71LC Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 13, 2025

India, however, has long maintained that its agricultural sector must remain protected, citing food security and the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. Indian officials also note that the country is mostly self-sufficient in corn production, with small farms meeting domestic demand. In fact, India is sometimes a net exporter of corn. During years when imports are needed, India avoids US corn because more than 90 per cent of it is genetically modified, sourcing instead from countries like Ukraine and Myanmar.

Lutnick’s remarks come amid rising tensions in global trade, especially with agriculture becoming a central issue in the ongoing tariff push. President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused India of being a “tariff king” and “a big abuser” of trade relations.

The United States has long viewed India's vast agricultural market as underexploited and has pushed for entry. But New Delhi has resisted, arguing that unrestricted imports could threaten its rural economy.

Despite its trade restrictions, India’s transformation from a food-deficient nation in the 1950s and 60s to a food-surplus exporter is one of its most significant achievements. Today, India is not only feeding its population of 1.4 billion but is also the world’s largest milk producer and the eighth-largest agri-produce exporter, sending grains, fruits, and dairy products around the world.