New Delhi, Aug 18 (NVI) Questioning the tariffs imposed by the US on some quartz products, India has taken up the matter at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
India has said it has “substantial interest” in Washington’s new safeguard measures on quartz surface products and proposed holding consultations virtually, according to a WTO notification.
The US began collecting tariffs on some imported quartz slabs used for countertops, backsplashes and bathroom tiles.
The levies range from 19% to 50% over four years, depending on when the imports enter the US and whether they exceed predetermined thresholds.
Under WTO rules, the US has to enter into consultation within 30 days of receiving the request. If the dispute isn’t resolved within 60 days, India can request the establishment of a panel.
The quartz tariffs followed a finding by the US International Trade Commission that increased imports were a substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic industry. Trump signed a proclamation imposing the measure last month.
India, Vietnam, Spain and Thailand were major exporters during the investigation period in the findings.
The latest development comes as the two sides remain engaged in negotiations for the first tranche of a bilateral trade deal. While both have expressed optimism that an agreement is close, it has yet to materialize.
India has taken such a step earlier as well.
Last year, it challenged Washington’s tariffs on products including aluminum and automobiles, arguing that the measures would hurt Indian exporters.
The US administration is also probing nations including India under Section 301 over alleged excess capacity, while it has already imposed a 10% tariff on Indian goods following a similar probe into alleged forced labor.
India and the US announced a trade deal framework in February that would cut duties on Indian goods.
Days later, however, the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s sweeping global tariff regime, creating fresh uncertainty over when the pact would take effect. (NVI)
