India eyes tariff cuts on $23B of US imports to avoid Trump’s reciprocal taxes: report

New York Post - Mar 25th, 2025
Open on New York Post

India is considering reducing tariffs on $23 billion worth of US imports in response to potential reciprocal tariffs from the US, set to start on April 2, which President Trump has termed as 'Liberation Day.' The White House's planned tariffs would affect 87% of India's $66 billion exports to the US. India is proposing to cut tariffs on over half of US imports if it can secure relief from these taxes. US trade representative Brendan Lynch is leading a delegation for discussions, following an agreement to work towards an early trade deal during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US in February. India is open to lowering tariffs on 55% of US imports, currently taxed between 5% and 30%, but is not considering cuts on goods like meat and dairy.

The broader context of these negotiations highlights India's efforts to avoid losing the US as a trading partner while maintaining its national interests. President Trump has previously criticized high tariffs, particularly on sectors like automotive and pharmaceuticals, which could face increased duties. Alternative suppliers such as Indonesia and Vietnam might benefit if India fails to secure a deal. While India is eager to reach an agreement, the negotiations remain complex, with broader tariff reforms still in preliminary discussions. The situation underscores the shifting dynamics of global trade and the strategic importance of US-India economic relations.

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RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of the ongoing trade negotiations between India and the US, focusing on India's proposal to reduce tariffs in response to potential US reciprocal tariffs. While the article is generally clear and engages with a topic of significant public interest, it lacks balance in its presentation of perspectives and relies heavily on anonymous sources. The absence of direct quotes or official confirmations limits its factual accuracy and source quality. Greater transparency about the sources and a more balanced exploration of both countries' strategies would enhance the article's credibility and impact. Despite these limitations, the article effectively highlights the economic stakes involved and the potential implications for international trade relations.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims, such as India’s willingness to reduce tariffs on $23 billion worth of US imports and the potential impact of US reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports. These claims are generally supported by sources cited within the article, such as government sources familiar with the matter. However, the article lacks direct quotes or official confirmations from the involved parties, such as the White House or Indian government representatives, which would strengthen its factual accuracy. Additionally, while the article mentions specific tariff rates and trade deficits, these figures require verification against official trade data for precision. The absence of immediate responses from the White House and Indian government also leaves some claims open to question.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on India's perspective and its strategic moves to counter US tariffs, with less emphasis on the US perspective or the broader implications of the trade negotiations. While it mentions US officials and their roles, such as Brendan Lynch, the narrative is skewed towards India's actions and reactions. This could be seen as a lack of balance, as the article does not equally explore the motivations and strategies of the US side. Additionally, the absence of commentary from independent trade experts or analysts limits the range of viewpoints presented.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing a coherent narrative about the trade negotiations between India and the US. The language is straightforward, and the key points are presented logically, making it accessible to readers. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of complex trade terms and the implications of the tariffs, which would aid reader comprehension. Additionally, the use of technical jargon without sufficient context might confuse readers unfamiliar with trade policies.

6
Source quality

The article cites sources familiar with the matter and mentions Reuters as a source of information, which adds some credibility. However, it lacks direct quotes or attributions from named officials or experts, which would enhance the reliability of the information. The reliance on anonymous sources and the absence of on-the-record statements from key stakeholders like the White House or Indian government representatives weaken the overall source quality. The article would benefit from more diverse and authoritative sources to provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.

5
Transparency

The article does not provide detailed information on how the claims were verified or the methodology used to gather the data. While it references government sources and Reuters, it does not explain the context or background of these sources, limiting transparency. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the reporting. Greater transparency about the sources and the processes used to gather information would enhance the credibility of the article.

Sources

  1. https://www.indiatoday.in/business/story/india-slash-tariff-cut-plan-more-than-half-of-us-imports-worth-23-usd-billion-first-phase-trade-deal-2698727-2025-03-25
  2. https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/india-eyes-tariff-cut-over-half-us-imports-shield-its-exports-3857701
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4pZOhHv5jc
  4. https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-717974-20250325
  5. https://www.chinimandi.com/india-open-to-tariff-cuts-on-us-imports-worth-23-billion-report/