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As India, US head towards a new relationship, here are the numbers that matter
ET Bureau | February 8, 2026 8:19 AM CST

Synopsis

India-US trade deal: The framework targets balanced trade, supply chain resilience and deeper technology cooperation. India intends to buy $500 billion of US energy & tech products, aircraft & parts, precious metals, tech products, coking coal over 5 years.

India-US trad deal
India and the US agreed on an interim trade framework that expands market access, lowers tariffs and sets the stage for a broader bilateral deal. The framework targets balanced trade, supply chain resilience and deeper technology cooperation. India intends to buy $500 billion of US energy & tech products, aircraft & parts, precious metals, tech products, coking coal over 5 years. ET takes a look:

KEY GAINS FOR INDIA

  • 18% US tariff, below key competitors
  • $44 b of Indian exports will get duty free access to the US
  • Lower duty on critical tech inputs, chips, semiconductor, aircraft, machinery
  • Zero duty on spices, tea, coffee, avocado, barley, canary seeds, bakery goods, cocoa & products, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, fruit jams & pastes
  • No additional duty on Section 232 goods, aircraft and machinery parts, generic drugs, pharma ingredients, elementary auto parts
  • graph 1

    SECTORAL GAINS

    TEXTILE & APPAREL

    • 0% on silk; Market access of $13 billion
    • Edge over others: China (35% tariff), Bangladesh (20%), Vietnam (20%), Indonesia (19%)
    GEMS & JEWELLERY


    • Market access of $61 billion
    • 0% duty market access of $29 billion for diamonds, platinum, coins, etc
    • Tariff advantage: South Africa (30%), Thailand (19%), China (35%)
    LEATHER & FOOTWEAR

    • Market access of $42 billion
    • Edge over China (35%), Indonesia (19%), Cambodia (19%)
    TOYS

    • Market opportunity of $18 billion
    • Competitive access: China (35%), Indonesia (19%), Vietnam (20%)
    MACHINERY & PARTS

    • Market access of $477 billion with current India exports of $2.35 b
    • Edge over Malaysia (19%), Thailand (19%), Vietnam (20%)
    HOME décor

  • Trade access of $52 billion
  • 0% duty free access to market worth $13 billion for products seats, parts of lamp, chandeliers, etc
  • Edge over China (35%), Vietnam (20%), Malaysia (19%)


  • NON-TARIFF MEASURES

    • India to address US concerns on medical devices, ICT import licensing, food/agri products
    • New Delhi will also review US/global standards, testing norms within six months in selected sectors
    SAFEGUARD CLAUSE

    • Both countries noted that any changes in agreed tariffs by one side allows the other to modify its commitments
    • Digital trade rules to be part of BTA
    graph 2
    GROWTH BOOST

    Exports lift could add 20–30bps to FY27 GD

    WHAT INDIA IS OFFERING

    • Low or zero levy on all US industrial goods
    • Cut in tariffs on selected agricultural and food products, including animal feed, tree nuts, fresh & processed fruits, soyabean oil, wine and spirits
    • Apple, almonds, cotton allowed on quota
    • Sensitive staple items outside interim deal ambit
    • Zero duty on 800-1,600 cc bikes, duty cut on diesel cars above 2,500 cc & petrol cars above 3,000 cc


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