Amul MD Jayen Mehta recently addressed the “tariff king” claim made by US President Donald Trump against India, stating that the country has been exporting products to the US for the last 25 years. Mehta spoke at the BT India@100 Summit, highlighting the differences in import duties between India and the US. He explained that the US charges varying import duties for different items, whereas India has a uniform 30% duty on imports from around the world. For example, a kilo of ghee and shrikhand were subject to 50% and 75% import duty in the US, respectively, before August 1.
Mehta also downplayed the impact of the additional 25% tariff levied by the US on Indian imports, stating that Amul’s products are in high demand among the Indian diaspora in the US, who are willing to pay the duty for good quality products. He referred to protein as a “global currency” and expressed Amul’s interest in exporting value-oriented protein products.
Mehta praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his strong statement in support of Indian farmers, amidst ongoing India-US trade deal negotiations. Modi had stated that India is prepared to pay the price for standing up for its farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers, but will not compromise on their interests. Mehta thanked and saluted Modi for his commitment to the farmers and women of India, recognizing the importance of their labor and livelihood.
Former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia also weighed in on the issue, stating that agricultural reforms are crucial, but should not appear to be externally driven. He suggested that any consensus on the issue must come from within India, and that the country’s negotiators may be telling the US not to expect agricultural concessions through trade pacts. Overall, Mehta’s comments highlighted the complexities of international trade and the importance of supporting Indian farmers and dairy producers.