Sweeping US Tariffs Threaten Indian Exports

The imposition of a 25 percent tariff on all goods originating from India by the United States is set to take effect from August 7, marking a significant escalation in trade measures between the two nations. This sweeping tariff, confirmed by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), eliminates exemptions previously extended to several key sectors, including pharmaceuticals and electronics.

The executive order, titled 'Further Modifying The Reciprocal Tariff Rates,' issued by President Donald Trump, has placed nearly 70 countries under revised tariff conditions. However, unlike other nations which retained exemptions for critical exports, India has been denied such considerations, exposing its goods to uniform increased rates.

Experts from GTRI predict a substantial hit to India's export figures, particularly in high-value sectors like petroleum, smartphones, and pharmaceuticals. The tariffs are interpreted as a strategic maneuver to push geopolitical negotiations and could drastically shrink Indian exports by up to 30 percent in the upcoming fiscal year.

(With inputs from agencies.)