June 30, 2025
Politics

GTRI Highlights Risks of Reducing Tariffs on US Agricultural Imports in Trade Negotiations

  • June 30, 2025
  • 0
GTRI Highlights Risks of Reducing Tariffs on US Agricultural Imports in Trade Negotiations

The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has issued a warning regarding the potential consequences of reducing import tariffs on American agricultural products as part of the ongoing India-US trade negotiations. The organization emphasizes that such a move could pose significant threats to India’s food security and the economic stability of approximately 700 million Indian farmers. The GTRI’s concerns center around the influx of subsidized US agricultural exports, such as rice, dairy, and genetically modified soybeans, which could flood Indian markets. This influx may lead to price distortions, making it difficult for local farmers to compete and sustain their livelihoods. The GTRI argues that the proposed reduction in tariffs could undermine India’s agricultural sector by allowing cheaper US products to dominate the market. This dominance could result in reduced income for Indian farmers, who rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihood. The potential price distortions caused by these imports might also affect the affordability and availability of essential food items for Indian consumers, thereby impacting food security. Moreover, the GTRI highlights that the introduction of genetically modified crops from the US could have long-term implications for India’s agricultural biodiversity and environmental sustainability. The organization calls for careful consideration of these factors in trade discussions to ensure that any agreement reached does not compromise India’s agricultural interests or its farmers’ welfare. As India and the US continue their trade talks, the GTRI’s cautionary stance underscores the need for a balanced approach that protects domestic agriculture while fostering international trade relations. Policymakers are urged to weigh the potential benefits of increased trade against the risks posed to local economies and food systems.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *