A White House factsheet released after former US President Donald Trump’s assertion that India had agreed to “zero tariffs” on American goods has clarified that the India–US trade understanding is an interim framework involving selective tariff reductions, not a blanket removal of duties on all US exports.
Trump had claimed that India would eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers on US products as part of a major trade deal, describing it as a historic breakthrough. However, the official factsheet issued by the White House outlines a more calibrated approach, stressing phased and product-specific tariff cuts rather than a comprehensive zero-tariff regime.
According to the document, India has agreed to eliminate or reduce tariffs on a range of US industrial, food and agricultural products, including certain pulses, fruits, nuts, soybean oil, wine and spirits. The agreement also focuses on easing non-tariff barriers, improving market access, and finalising rules of origin to ensure that only Indian and American products benefit from the concessions. On the US side, Washington has announced the rollback of additional punitive duties on Indian goods and a reduction in reciprocal tariffs, signalling a move towards restoring trade balance.
The factsheet emphasises that the current understanding is an interim trade pact, with both countries aiming to conclude negotiations in the coming weeks as a step towards a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). It does not provide a detailed product-by-product tariff schedule or confirm that all US goods will enjoy zero duty access to the Indian market.
Indian officials have also not publicly endorsed the “zero tariff” claim in absolute terms, indicating that sensitive sectors—particularly agriculture—will continue to receive protection. Trade experts note that such selective liberalisation is typical of interim trade arrangements and falls short of a full free-trade agreement.
The clarification comes amid heightened political and economic attention to India–US trade ties, with both sides projecting the deal as a significant boost to bilateral commerce. While Trump’s remarks highlighted the deal’s political messaging, the White House factsheet underscores that the agreement remains a work in progress, with final outcomes dependent on ongoing negotiations and detailed implementation plans.
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