US to take up India's soda ash issue with New Delhi
Washington, July 22
The Trump administration will raise with New Delhi concerns over India's proposed restrictions on imports of American soda ash, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told lawmakers on Wednesday, indicating the issue will form part of broader trade engagement between the two countries.
"I have a good relationship with my counterpart in India, and we work closely with their trade ministry," Greer told the Senate Finance Committee during a hearing on President Donald Trump's 2026 Trade Policy Agenda.
The assurance came after Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming urged the administration to ensure fair market access for American soda ash producers, saying Indian manufacturers had petitioned their government to restrict imports from the United States.
Barrasso said Wyoming, which produces the world's largest natural deposits of trona used to manufacture soda ash, was concerned that India could impose limits on American exports despite US producers being able to "compete with anyone in the world on a level playing field."
Greer said Washington would raise the matter directly with Indian officials.
"I will raise this with them next time," he said. "They have internal processes on trade remedies as we do, but we want to make sure that any process they have is fair, that our producers are being treated fairly and they get to the right answer."
The exchange was one of several references to India during a hearing largely dominated by debate over President Trump's tariff policy, trade negotiations and efforts to reduce America's dependence on China.
Greer said he remained in regular contact with India's trade leadership as the two countries continued discussions on expanding bilateral trade.
"I have a good relationship with my counterpart in India, and we work closely with their trade ministry," he said, underscoring ongoing engagement between the two governments.
The hearing otherwise focused on the administration's broader trade agenda, including negotiations with Canada, Mexico, the European Union and several Asian countries.
Defending the administration's trade policy, Greer said the United States had concluded: "19 framework or reciprocal trade deals, covering 32% of global gross domestic product."
He also argued that the administration's strategy was reshaping global trade flows and reducing reliance on China.
"Our trade deficit in goods with China fell to $200 billion in 2025, the lowest it's been since 2005, and China's share of total U.S. imports fell to about 9%, the lowest it has been since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001," he said.
Democratic lawmakers challenged the administration's reliance on tariffs, arguing they had increased costs for American consumers and businesses. Greer rejected those claims, saying the administration's policies had helped boost manufacturing, wages and exports.
India and the United States are negotiating a broader bilateral trade arrangement aimed at expanding market access, lowering trade barriers and strengthening economic ties. Officials from both countries have held multiple rounds of discussions covering agriculture, industrial goods, digital trade and manufacturing.
The United States is India's largest trading partner, with bilateral goods and services trade exceeding $190 billion annually. Trade has become a central pillar of the broader India-US strategic partnership, alongside cooperation in defence, critical and emerging technologies, supply chains and the Indo-Pacific.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, both sides have valid points. We need to protect domestic manufacturers, but we also want to maintain good trade relations with the US. The key is finding a balanced solution – maybe tariff adjustments rather than outright restrictions. India's trade surplus with the US is growing, so we can afford to be a bit flexible without hurting our own industries. Smart diplomacy needed here.
I'm from Gujarat near the soda ash manufacturing belt. Our small and medium units are already struggling with rising costs and competition. If cheap US soda ash floods the market, it will kill thousands of jobs in places like Gujarat and Rajasthan. US companies may have natural advantages, but shouldn't Indian workers also have a fair chance? Protectionism isn't a dirty word when it's about survival of our people.
As an American, I understand India wanting to protect domestic industries, but the US has some of the most efficient soda ash production in the world. Our companies aren't dumping – they produce from natural trona deposits which gives a cost advantage. Maybe a phased reduction of restrictions could work? Both countries benefit from open trade. We should negotiate, not retaliate.
First it was almonds, then solar cells, now soda ash. The US always wants to dictate terms while their own protectionism against Indian textiles, steel, and agriculture continues. Mr. Greer talks about "fair processes" – well, what about the US's unfair tariffs on Indian steel? We need to be strong in these negotiations. No more bowing down to American pressure!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.