CHANDIGARH: Commenting on the recent announcement of an 18% tariff framework between India and the United States, RS AAP MP and Founder Chancellor, Lovely Professional University, Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal expressed cautious optimism while highlighting the need for greater clarity on its real-world impact.
“While the proposed tariff correction signals some easing of trade pressures, serious questions remain about how this framework will operate in practice. We do not yet have certainty on how India’s farmers and MSMEs, the backbone of our economy, will be protected during implementation,” Dr Mittal said.
He noted that prior to the trade war, effective US tariffs on Indian exports averaged around 2.5%, which later escalated to 50%, and are now expected to stabilise reportedly at 18%. “This remains significantly higher than the conditions under which Indian exporters previously operated,” he added. Dr Mittal also pointed out that the agreement reportedly extends beyond tariffs, including commitments on non-tariff barriers and large-scale procurement of American goods. “Much will depend on the final legal text, safeguards, and timelines. The key question is whether this framework delivers stable, predictable gains, or merely manages the fallout of an avoidable crisis,” he said. He urged policymakers to ensure that national interests, export competitiveness, and domestic livelihoods remain central to all negotiations.
