US Eyes Indian Maize, Soybean Market in Bilateral Trade Talks

11-Apr-2025 08:46 PM

New Delhi: In ongoing bilateral trade talks, the US is pressing India to allow imports of American maize and soybean, but India is hesitant due to its ban on genetically modified (GM) food products.

Without a clear policy decision from the central government, Indian negotiators cannot agree to this demand.

India may, however, offer concessional customs duties on other American products such as apples, cherries, pecan nuts, and whisky.

The GM crop issue is highly sensitive in India and is currently under judicial review, making any decision politically risky.

Meanwhile, the US is seeking new markets amid its trade tensions with China, which has imposed 84% import duty on American products.

With Brazil and Argentina serving as alternatives for China, the US sees India as a key market for its surplus maize and soybean, but both nations remain locked in negotiation constraints.