Archive · 7 Nov 2025
India Proposes Tariffs on US Goods at WTO Over Copper Duties
Imagine two friends, India and the US, who trade things.
India sells copper to the US, but the US put a big extra tax on it.
India says this extra tax is unfair and acts like a guard that stops India's copper.
So, India told a referee, the WTO, that it wants to put a similar extra tax on some things the US sells to India, to make things even.
But the US says, 'This isn't a guard tax, it's for our safety!'
The referee is now looking at who is right.
India is waiting to put its own tax if the referee doesn't step in.
India has proposed additional tariffs of $87.82 million on US goods at the WTO.
These proposed tariffs are a response to US 'safeguard measures' on Indian copper exports.
The US stated its 50% copper tariffs, imposed on August 1, 2025, are for national security under Section 232, not safeguard measures.
India argues the US measures affect $182.54 million in imports and reserves its right to suspend concessions.
India has previously challenged similar US duties on steel and auto products at the WTO.
- Who
- India and the United States
- What
- India has proposed additional tariffs on US goods at the WTO in response to US 'safeguard measures' on Indian copper exports, which the US disputes.
- When
- The dispute involves actions and communications in late October and early November 2025, with US duties imposed earlier in 2025.
- Where
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Why
- India is retaliating against US tariffs on its copper exports, which it considers safeguard measures. The US claims the tariffs are for national security under Section 232.
India's Position
US Position
Nature of US Duties
India's Position
India views the US's 50% duties on copper imports as 'safeguard measures' affecting $182.54 million in imports.
US Position
The US states its 50% tariffs on copper products were imposed under Section 232 for national security reasons, not as safeguard measures.
Basis for Indian Counter-Tariffs
India's Position
India is proposing counter-tariffs equivalent to the amount affected by US safeguard duties, amounting to $87.82 million.
US Position
The US asserts there is no basis for India's proposal to suspend concessions because the duties are national security-related, not safeguard measures.
- Date of Indian WTO Communication
- October 30, 2025
- Date of US WTO Submission
- November 6, 2025
- US Copper Duty Rate
- 50%
- US Copper Duty Start Date
- August 1, 2025
- US Copper Duty Duration
- Unlimited
- Value of Indian Imports Affected by US Duties
- $182.54 million
- Value of Indian Proposed Counter-Tariffs
- $87.82 million