India on Friday said it is examining a White House report that places the country in the top tier of nations allegedly being used for transshipment of Chinese goods to evade US tariffs, while defending the national framework of laws and regulations to prevent such practices.
“We have seen some reports on this particular matter. “The countries that comprise China’s Shadow Transshipment Network include many of America’s largest trading partners. The report by the White House’s Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy, seen as part of efforts to prevent Chinese products from circumventing US tariffs through third countries, listed India among more than 40 countries that are perceived to be exposed to China-linked transshipment risks.
Because of pressure from the US, jaiswal also dismissed speculation that the government referred a bill proposing changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) to a joint parliamentary committee.
The report listed India among “China’s biggest enablers”. We would like to study the findings and the methodology that has been adopted in detail,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a regular media briefing when he was asked about the White House report. “We have robust laws and procedures governing customs, rules of origin and exports, and any instances of violation that may be there are dealt with in accordance with law,” he said. “Beyond that, I don’t have, at present, anything specific to add to what I’ve already said,” he said. China’s biggest enablers range from Mexico and Canada on US land borders to the European Union, India, Japan and South Korea,” the report said. “As I have informed you earlier and let me reiterate again that legislative matters concerning India are our own internal matters on which the Parliament of India is there to decide, and only the Parliament of India is there to decide,” he said in response to another question.
Jaiswal noted that the government had learnt of the US report on Friday morning and is still studying its findings and methodology.
