Commerce Ministry to Meet Exporters on India-US Trade on Sept 1

The Commerce Ministry will meet exporters and industry bodies on September 1 to review India-US trade and tariff issues. The discussions will support India’s strategy for ongoing bilateral trade agreement negotiations and improve export competitiveness.

India’s Commerce Ministry will meet industry associations and export promotion councils on September 1 to review India-US trade, export performance and the impact of changing tariff conditions in the American market. The meeting comes as India and the United States continue negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA).

The consultation will be chaired by Additional Secretary Darpan Jain, India’s chief negotiator for the trade pact. Representatives from key export sectors, including pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, textiles, agriculture, chemicals, marine products, leather, automobiles and auto components, are expected to participate. Major industry bodies such as CII, FICCI, Assocham and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) are also likely to attend.

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The meeting assumes significance as Indian exporters face changing tariff policies and increasing competition from countries including Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia. Industry representatives are expected to highlight concerns related to tariffs, non-tariff barriers, market access and the competitiveness of Indian products in the US.

India-US trade has continued to grow. During 2025-26, India’s exports to the US reached $87.31 billion, while imports stood at $53.45 billion, taking total bilateral trade to $140.76 billion. India recorded a trade surplus of around $33.9 billion during the fiscal year. Between April and July 2026, exports to the US rose to $34.5 billion, while imports increased to $22.12 billion.

The government is expected to use the September 1 consultation to gather sector-specific feedback and incorporate industry concerns into its ongoing trade negotiations. The discussions could also help identify measures to strengthen Indian exporters’ competitiveness and expand market opportunities.

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The meeting comes ahead of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s expected US visit later in September, where further discussions on the trade agreement are likely.

A favourable India-US trade framework could improve market access for Indian products, strengthen supply chain partnerships and create opportunities across manufacturing sector, pharmaceuticals, technology and other sectors. The September consultation will therefore be important in aligning industry priorities with India’s broader trade strategy.