India-US interim trade pact to help MSMEs join global value chains: FM

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says the India-US interim agreement will cut tariffs, boost MSME integration into global value chains, and lower costs for businesses and consumers

The India-US Interim Agreement framework will support Indian MSMEs in integrating into global value chains and lower costs for businesses and consumers, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday.

As part of the framework announced last night, both countries will reduce import duties on a number of goods to boost two-way trade.

While the US will reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the present 50 per cent, India will eliminate or cut down import duties on all US industrial goods and a wide range of American food and agricultural products, including dried distillers' grains, red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits.

 

According to a joint statement, India has expressed its intention to purchase USD 500 billion of US energy products, aircraft and aircraft parts, precious metals, technology products and coking coal over the next five years.

"India has safeguarded the sensitivities of its agriculture and animal husbandry sectors. The framework protects key farm and dairy products, spices, and staples, strengthening farmer incomes," the office of Sitharaman said in a post on X.

The framework will strengthen India's lead in the digital services sector, it said, adding the joint technology cooperation will position India as a hub for AI, data and digital services.