US exporters encounter tariff and non-tariff barriers from India

03 Apr 2012 Evaluate

US exporters are unhappy with the tariff and non-tariff barriers imposed by India on the imports of their goods. In its report 2012 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, the US Trade Representatives (USTR) has pointed out a number of issues that they face while trading with India.

Some of these include unfavourable, complex and confusing tariff structures, excessive checking and assessments of imports, extensive documentation and the non transparent practices and procedures of the Indian government. It has also observed that the Indian government is too flexible while changing the tariff structure making its policies unreliable.

It has also pointed out that foreign firms rarely win Indian government contracts due to the preference afforded to Indian state-owned enterprises and the prevalence of such enterprises. Even though tax exemption for profits from export earnings has been completely phased out, tax holidays continue for certain export-oriented enterprises and exporters in Special Economic Zones. Moreover key sectors such as telecommunications, financial services, and legal services remain either closed to foreign investment or are subject to restrictions on foreign participation.

Noting that India is currently the 17th largest export market for US goods, it has pointed out that imports from India have risen faster that exports to it. As a result the trade deficit has widened to $14.5 billion in 2011, up from $4.3 billion from 2010. Corresponding US imports from India were $36.2 billion, up 22.5 percent. US exports of private commercial services (i.e., excluding military and government) to India were $10.3 billion in 2010, and US imports were $13.7 billion. Sales of services in India by majority US-owned affiliates were $13.1 billion in 2009, while sales of services in the US by majority India-owned firms were $7.2 billion.

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