WASHINGTON – The World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruled that India had given$7 billion in prohibited subsidies to exporters in a complaint filed by theUnited States, the US Trade Representative’s office said in a press releaseon Thursday.
“This is a resounding victory for the United States”, US TradeRepresentative Robert Lighthizer said in the release. “The United States isusing every available tool, including WTO enforcement actions, to ensureAmerican workers are able to compete on a level playing field”.
The WTO found that India subsidises steel, pharmaceuticals, chemicals,information technology products, textiles and apparel producers to thedetriment of US workers and manufacturers, the release said.
The WTO gave India six months to withdraw the $7 billion in subsidies, itadded.
If the dispute is not resolved, international trade ruleslinkwouldallow the United States to impose duties on Indian products to offset thesubsidies.
Prior to this, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer welcomed the WTO’sfindings as a “resounding victory for the United States”.
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Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump blasted India, accusing thegiant Asian economy of unfair trade.
He also stripped India of benefits which enabled some duty-free exports tothe United Stateslink,alleging that India had rejected to grant wider access to American-madegoods.
In June, India imposed duties on dozens of US products, including hundredsof millions of dollars in almonds from California as well as other USfruits and nuts, Sputnik has reported.
