US Commerce Secretary Urges India to Lower Tariffs, Cites Corn Import Disparity
Washington D.C. - September 14,2025 – US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has sharply criticized India’s trade practices,specifically calling on New Delhi to reduce tariffs,particularly on American corn,to maintain a healthy trade relationship with the United States.
Lutnick questioned India’s reluctance to import US corn, stating, “India brags that they have 1.4 billion people. Why won’t 1.4 billion people buy one bushel of US corn? Doesn’t that rub you the wrong way that they sell everything to us, and they won’t buy our corn. They put tariffs on everything.”
He characterized the current trade dynamic as “one way,” asserting that India benefits significantly from access to the US market while simultaneously restricting American exports.Lutnick reiterated the US position, stating, “The president says, ‘fair and reciprocal trade’.”
The Secretary’s remarks came during a recent interview discussing US trade relations with key allies including India, Canada, and Brazil. He emphasized President Donald Trump’s insistence on a reciprocal trade approach, urging India to “bring down your tariffs, treat us the way we treat you.”
Lutnick indicated the US aims to address what he described as “years of wrong” through tariffs on Indian goods. the Trump administration has already imposed tariffs of up to 50% on certain indian products, including a 25% levy on India’s purchases of Russian oil – among the highest tariffs levied on any nation. He warned, “That’s the president’s model, and you either accept it or you’re going to have a tough time doing business with the world’s greatest consumer.”
India has officially responded to the US actions, labeling them “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” New Delhi has defended its continued purchase of Russian crude oil, citing national interest and market dynamics.
Lutnick suggested that a resolution to the trade dispute, and potential progress on a trade agreement, could be contingent on India curtailing its oil imports from Russia. Speaking to CNBC, he stated, “Well, we’re going to sort out India,” signaling that addressing energy and tariff issues are crucial for advancing negotiations.
Published By: Sayan Ganguly
Published On: September 14, 2025