When it comes to the four nations recommended as CPCs by the USCIRF report, Nettleton explains, “In some of those cases, there are trade relationships — like India. In others, it’s been confusing to me how Nigeria was not on the list previously.”

The average Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) tariff rate stands at 17 per cent, with agricultural products averaging a steep 39 per cent, it states.

National Trade Estimate (NTE) report, released on Monday, details how India's tariff and non-tariff policies remain among the most restrictive in major global economies

The preparations come ahead of Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” tariffs that are expected to be announced at 4pm local time on Wednesday

The United States’ new tariffs, set to go live on Wednesday, are pushing China towards a more Indian-inclined market, in which officials are reportedly seeking to deepen bilateral trade relations. Beijing’s Ambassador to India,