Questions linger over permitting US soybean and corn imports

18-Nov-2025 12:56 PM

New Delhi. Although both sides claim that the bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States is in its final stages, it is currently unclear whether India has agreed to allow the import of American soybeans and corn.

Some experts suggest that India has agreed to allow duty-free imports of soybeans and corn from the United States, as well as certain dairy products.

However, until the agreement is officially announced, uncertainty remains. Indeed, the Prime Minister himself has publicly declared that the Indian government will not compromise on the interests of its farmers.

According to analysts, the United States has been India's largest trading partner, but the imposition of a hefty 50 percent tariff on many Indian products from the end of August 2025 is forcing Indian exporters to face stiff competition from other countries.

India has already accepted the US demand to reduce imports of Russian petroleum products, which has somewhat softened the US stance on tariffs. India is suffering significant losses due to declining exports to the US market, which cannot be ignored.

It is believed that a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) may be officially announced by the end of November 2025, and the US may withdraw the additional 25 percent import duty imposed on India. However, India may have to pay a heavy price for this.

If significant imports of GM soybeans or their value-added products, maize, and dairy products do indeed commence, it will increase the risk of significant losses for Indian farmers. Maize and soybean prices have already fallen.