Tariffs unjustifiably high, need level playing field: US Commerce Secretary

Pulling no punches, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Tuesday repeatedly hit out at India for charging high tariffs on US products, implementing market access barriers, and having a difficult regulatory environment.

Ross, in India to discuss a long list of trade disputes between the two countries, lambasted “multiple practices and regulations that disadvantage foreign companies”. “Our strict Foreign Corrupt Practices Act assures the Indian government that our companies will not cause scandals here. But American companies need to operate in a transparent environment supported by the rule of law, and a level playing field,” he said.

Other obstacles included price controls on medical devices and pharmaceuticals, and restrictive tariffs on electronics and telecommunications products, Ross said.