Archive · 11 Dec 2025
US India Trade Talks
The US and India are having important talks about trading food.
The US wants India to buy more of its corn, soybeans, and other crops, but India is saying no because they want to protect their own farmers.
The US says India's offers are good, but India is being firm about not letting in certain foods like genetically modified soybeans and corn, or meat and dairy products that don't fit with their culture.
The US has high taxes on Indian goods, and India wants these taxes to be lower.
Both countries are trying to find a way to make a deal that works for everyone, but it's not easy.
India is also worried about the US putting extra taxes on their rice, which the US says is too cheap.
It's like a big game of trade where both sides are trying to get the best deal.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer acknowledges India's offers in trade talks as the best received by the US, but notes resistance on certain agricultural products.
India is firm on protecting its agricultural sensitivities, including genetically modified (GM) soy and corn, and meat & dairy products not aligned with its cultural beliefs.
The US is pushing for diversification of its agricultural exports, particularly row crops like corn and soybeans, away from China.
India wants US tariffs on Indian imports, which include a 25% penalty for Russian oil purchase, to be rolled back as part of the first tranche of the proposed trade deal.
US President Donald Trump threatened fresh tariffs on Indian rice over concerns of dumping in the US market.
- Who
- US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Indian negotiators, US farmers, Indian farmers
- What
- Ongoing bilateral trade talks between the US and India, focusing on agricultural products and tariffs
- When
- December 10, 2025, with a proposed India-US BTA initial deadline of fall 2025
- Where
- New Delhi, India, and Washington DC, USA
- Why
- To diversify US agricultural exports, address tariffs, and negotiate market access for agricultural products
- US Soybean Exports
- $30 billion annually
- US Maize Exports
- $17.2 billion annually
- US Wheat Exports
- $7.3 billion annually
- US Rice Exports
- $1.9 billion annually
- US Tariffs on India
- 50%
- India's Stance on GM Products
- Resistant due to cultural and religious beliefs
- India's Dairy Market
- Largely dominated by domestic cooperative and private companies
Sources
Basmati Blues: Trump's Attack On Indian Rice Smells A Lot Like Desperation
India’s offers are the best, but there is resistance on row crops: USTR
Delhi trade deal ‘best ever’, but India ‘tough nut to crack’: US Trade Representative
