India considers imposing import tariffs on Chinese goods

Japan’s “Diplomat” website reported on October 15 that India is considering imposing import tariffs on Chinese goods to reduce the trade imbalance between the two countries.
India’s Minister of Industrial Policy and Promotion Kant said on the 13th that India will consider imposing import tariffs on Chinese goods to curb the growing trade imbalance between the two sides. In 2013, India’s exports to China were US$15 billion and imports were US$51 billion, resulting in a deficit of US$36 billion. India cannot sustain a long-term trade deficit with China and will have to take some safeguard measures in the coming years. The Indian government welcomes Chinese companies to open factories in India to manufacture products, especially telecommunications equipment and power equipment.
The issue of trade imbalance is of vital importance to the Indian government. When President Xi Jinping visited India in September this year, Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of trade imbalance between the two sides and urged President Xi Jinping to expand market access for Indian companies. President Xi promised to take concrete measures to help India reduce its trade deficit.
In addition, Indian officials are also worried that China is dumping cheap goods in India at low prices to defeat Indian competitors.
The article stated that imposing additional tariffs on Chinese goods may cause estrangement between China and India. China may view this move as trade protectionism and accuse India of stifling the competitiveness of Chinese companies.