ENA Global 2025-04-22 16:41:28 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Apr 22 (KNN)</strong> In ongoing trade negotiations, the United States is urging India to grant full market access to American e-commerce giants Amazon and Walmart. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This move aims to address what the U.S. perceives as non-tariff barriers in India's USD 125 billion e-commerce sector.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, Indian regulations restrict foreign e-commerce firms to operating as online marketplaces, prohibiting them from holding inventory or selling directly to consumers. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In contrast, domestic companies like Reliance Retail face fewer constraints, allowing them to manufacture, own, and sell products through their platforms. The U.S. considers these disparities as significant obstacles to fair trade.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The push for greater access comes amid broader discussions on a U.S.-India trade agreement, encompassing sectors from agriculture to automobiles. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">U.S. officials, industry executives, and lobbyists have indicated plans to press Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration for equal opportunities in the e-commerce space.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Recent high-level meetings have underscored the importance of these negotiations. U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi, acknowledging significant progress towards a mutually beneficial trade agreement. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Additionally, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon addressed India's e-commerce restrictions during discussions with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The U.S. has temporarily suspended a potential 26 per cent tariff on Indian exports for 90 days to facilitate these negotiations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This period is seen as a critical window to resolve outstanding trade issues and establish a more balanced e-commerce landscape.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">As discussions continue, the outcome will significantly impact the operations of foreign e-commerce players in India and shape the future of U.S.-India trade relations.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 41823 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/global/us-pushes-india-for-full-e-commerce-access-amid-trade-talks 2025-04-22 16:41:28 knnindia.co.in