India Strikes Back: Tariff Retaliation Planned Against US Steel and Aluminium Duties

Image Source: ANI News

India has formally notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its intent to impose retaliatory tariffs on select US goods, countering Washington’s safeguard duties on steel and aluminium imports. The move signals rising trade tensions amid ongoing bilateral negotiations.

Key highlights of India’s WTO notification:

The US tariffs impact $7.6 billion worth of Indian exports annually, with estimated duty collections of $3.82 billion
India’s proposed retaliation will match this amount through increased tariffs on Americanorigin products
The safeguard measures by the US—25% on steel and 10% on aluminium—were revised in February and took effect from March 12, 2025
India argues these duties violate the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 and the Agreement on Safeguards
The US maintains the tariffs are based on national security grounds and not subject to WTO safeguard rules

Strategic implications:

India reserves the right to suspend concessions 30 days postnotification and adjust targeted products or tariff rates as needed
The move follows similar retaliatory steps taken in 2019 and May 2025, including duties on almonds, apples, and lentils
The timing is critical, as both nations are negotiating a new bilateral trade agreement expected by September
India’s stance reflects a broader push to protect its export interests and assert its rights under global trade frameworks.

Sources: Economic Times, Financial Express, India Today, Times of India, Business Standard, Reuters, NewsOnAir, WTO filings