The commerce ministry has directed customs authorities to maintain strict vigilance on imports and exports due to concerns about potential dumping of goods and re-routing of consignments from India to third countries. This concern arises from the US imposing high tariffs on China, which makes Chinese goods more expensive in the US market and could lead to their diversion into countries like India. The US has imposed a 125 percent duty on China.
Customs officials have been instructed to monitor exports and imports for any unusual surges, ensuring that India is not used as a re-routing destination. The concerned ministries and industry associations have also been asked to provide inputs on any import surges and their effects on domestic industry.
Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India is in continuous dialogue with the US on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) to safeguard the nation’s and public interests. India and the US have set a target to finalize the first phase of the agreement by October this year and aim to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, from the current $191 billion.