Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Apr 1: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on Tuesday submitted the 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) report to President Donald Trump and Congress, highlighting foreign trade barriers impacting American exporters.
The annual report outlines tariffs and other restrictions imposed by trading partners on US goods. "No American President in modern history has recognised the wide-ranging and harmful foreign trade barriers American exporters face more than President Trump," said Ambassador Jamieson Greer. He added that the administration is working to eliminate unfair trade practices and ensure a level playing field for American businesses.
The report underscores President Trump’s America First Trade Policy and the administration’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda.
India’s trade policies received specific mention, with the report stating that the country had the highest average Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) applied tariff rate among major world economies in 2023. India’s average tariff stood at 17.0%, with non-agricultural goods taxed at an average of 13.5% and agricultural goods at 39.0%. The report also highlighted high tariffs on key US exports, including:
• Motorcycles, apples, and vegetable oils – 50%
• Automobiles and flowers – 60%
• Alcoholic beverages – 150%
However, the report does not account for tariff reductions announced in India’s 2025-26 Budget, where duties on high-profile US exports were slashed for example, the tariff on bikes was lowered to 40%, while bourbon whiskey duties were reduced from 150% to 100%.
Additionally, the report raises concerns over high basic customs duties on pharmaceuticals, including essential medicines listed by the World Health Organization (WHO). It also flags barriers to agricultural trade, citing restrictions on poultry, potatoes, citrus fruits, almonds, pecans, grapes, and processed foods commonly used in fast-food chains.
The NTE report, submitted annually by March 31, is compiled with inputs from US embassies, federal agencies, and public comments. The USTR continues to engage with global trade partners to address these concerns.