Rude lessons: On the U.S.-Canada trade dispute, lessons for India

The article analyzes the U.S.-Canada trade dispute, highlighting key lessons for India regarding its own international trade policy. It details the long history of economic integration between the U.S. and Canada, including NAFTA, and how their relationship has deteriorated due to tariff disputes. The first lesson for India is not to take favorable treatment from the U.S. for granted. The second is to carefully weigh the pros and cons of trade deals, as benefits might not outweigh costs, and tariff pressures can persist even after a deal. The third lesson emphasizes that any perceived advantage from a trade deal can quickly vanish. The article advises India to maintain its cautious approach to trade agreements, ensuring clear advantages before committing.