New Delhi [India], April 1 (ANI): India stands at a crucial juncture in the evolving global trade landscape, and to maximize its position in trade realignments, it must strategically defend its key sectors while leveraging shifts in global supply chains, according to Brad Staples, Chief Executive Officer of APCO Worldwide.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Staples emphasized, “India must fast-track its bilateral trade negotiations. Fast-tracking Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and ensuring a stable, predictable trade environment will enhance India’s appeal as a trusted global trade partner.”
The US has increasingly used tariffs as a strategic tool, imposing 25 percent duties on steel and aluminium, and recently extended the same 25 percent tariff to imported automobiles and automobile parts. Additional levies on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors are also being considered. This creates both challenges and opportunities for India’s trade landscape.
Unlike China and the EU, which responded with retaliatory measures, India has managed to avoid the tariff threats from the US despite the latter’s repeated claims that India imposes some of the highest duties on US imports.
India and the US share an ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030. While tariff disputes, data protection policies, and supply chain realignments present challenges, both nations acknowledge the importance of fostering a balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship.
Brad suggested, “Moving forward, both nations should prioritize deeper cooperation in digital trade, supply chain diversification, and strategic sectors like clean energy and advanced manufacturing to strengthen economic ties.”
Staples further stated that India must capitalize on the ongoing shifts in global supply chains and maintain a competitive edge by implementing stable, key policy measures. “To fully capitalize on this shift and maintain an edge over competitors in East and Southeast Asia, India must focus on key policy measures. Ensuring a stable and predictable policy environment will be critical in attracting long-term investments.”
He also added, “The government must continue to offer strong incentives for both domestic and foreign investors to encourage large-scale manufacturing.”
India has a unique opportunity to attract investments in critical industries such as semiconductors, textiles, and chemicals, which are witnessing growing export volumes.
However, challenges such as infrastructure gaps and regulatory complexities continue to hinder large-scale commitments from global corporations.
Commenting on the shifting global trade dynamics, particularly the US-China trade tensions, Brad highlighted that companies like Apple have steadily increased their iPhone manufacturing in India, with production reaching 15 percent in early 2025 and projections indicating growth to 25 percent by 2027. Similarly, Tesla’s recent decision to lease its first showroom in Mumbai signals the increasing interest of high-tech manufacturers in the Indian market. These developments underscore India’s growing role in global supply chains.
Brad concluded by stressing that before committing to large-scale investments, India must ensure that its trade policies remain stable, transparent, and investor-friendly. (ANI)
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