India, US seal interim trade pact framework
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Our BureauNew Delhi: India and the US announced a framework for an interim trade agreement under which tariffs on "originating goods of India" will be reduced to 18% from as much as 50%. Clearing the path for a full-fledged bilateral trade agreement (BTA), the interim pact covers tariff cuts and non-tariff barriers with a broader, legally binding BTA covering goods, supply chains and digital trade. This is in line with statements issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on February 2.India's exports of about $44 billion to the US will enter the American market at zero reciprocal tariffs under the first phase of the BTA, which is expected to be signed by mid-March. This will include spices, tea, coffee, copra, coconut oil, certain nuts, banana, guava, mango, bakery goods, and home decor.Indian goods worth about $30 billion will attract an 18% tariff, including those from labour-intensive sectors. There will be no change in duties o...