Overview

• Howard Lutnick said India, despite its 1.4 billion people, does not buy even one bushel of U.S. corn, calling it evidence of market barriers.
• He argued that the United States buys Indian goods freely but encounters high tariffs when trying to sell into India.
• Lutnick described the president’s approach as demanding tariff reductions from partners or facing a tough time doing business with the U.S.
• He also criticized India’s rising purchases of discounted Russian crude, calling the imports a persistent sore point for Washington.
• Ambassador nominee Sergio Gor told senators the sides are not far apart on a trade deal and said the president invited an Indian commerce delegation to visit next week.