Question : Issue of Hike in Import Duties at WTO

(a) whether several trade experts and exporters have urged the Government to drag the United States (US) in the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute mechanism against the move to hike import duties on several products;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government on such demands made by the exporters and trade experts;
(c) whether the Government has conducted any in-depth study on the impact of duty hike by the US on certain products; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the corrective measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

(a) & (b): No, Madam. Department of Commerce has so far not received any formal request for dragging U.S. to WTO dispute settlement body.
(c): Yes, Madam.
(d): It is Government’s pro-active policy to encourage its exports, and the issues arising in bilateral trade from time to time are taken up with the Government of United States at various levels, including at the highest level. India also requested the U.S. to exempt India from the steel and aluminium tariffs. India is examining all the options to deal with the issue, in case bilaterally not resolved.
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