Why is India Hesitant to Buy American Corn? Insights from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick

Concerns Over Trade Relations

New York/Washington: According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, despite India's population of 1.4 billion, the country has not purchased even a small quantity of American corn. He emphasized that India needs to lower its tariffs or it may encounter significant challenges in its business dealings with the United States.

During a recent interview, Lutnick was questioned about whether the US is mishandling its crucial relationships with allies such as India, Canada, and Brazil due to the tariffs imposed on these nations.

Lutnick expressed frustration, stating, "The relationship is one-sided; they sell to us while blocking access to their economy. They benefit from our openness while we face barriers." He reiterated President Trump's call for 'fair and reciprocal trade'.

He questioned, "If India boasts about having 1.4 billion people, why won't they purchase even one bushel of US corn? It seems unfair that they sell us everything but impose tariffs on our products."

Lutnick noted that President Trump has urged India to reduce its tariffs and treat the US as it treats them.

He further remarked, "We need to correct years of imbalance, and we expect tariffs to be adjusted until this is resolved."

Lutnick concluded by stating, "This is the president's approach; accept it or face difficulties in engaging with the world's largest consumer market."

The Trump administration has enacted tariffs of up to 50 percent on imports from India, including a 25 percent tariff on India's purchases of Russian oil, among the highest rates imposed globally.

India has criticized these US actions as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable."

In defense of its Russian oil purchases, India has maintained that its energy strategy is guided by national interests and market conditions.