As 50% US tariffs take effect, India braces for $48.2B export hit
Public Lokpal
August 27, 2025
As 50% US tariffs take effect, India braces for $48.2B export hit
NEW DELHI: India is bracing for a sharp blow to its overseas trade as steep US tariffs take effect on a range of Indian products on Wednesday — a move that threatens over half of India’s exports to its largest market and highlights the fragile trade ties between the two countries.
US President Donald Trump had initially announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods. But earlier this month he signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff due to India’s purchases of Russian oil, bringing the combined tariffs imposed by the United States on its ally to 50%.
The Indian government estimates the tariffs will impact $48.2 billion worth of exports. Officials have warned the new duties could make shipments to the US commercially unviable, triggering job losses and slower economic growth.
India–US trade relations have expanded in recent years but remain vulnerable to disputes over market access and domestic political pressures. India is one of the fastest-growing among major global economies and it may face a slowdown as a result.
Sectors to be impacted by US tariffs
The US has for now exempted some sectors such as pharmaceuticals and electronic goods from additional tariffs, bringing some relief for India as its exposure in these sectors is significant.
Exporters fear losses
The tariffs come as the US administration continues to push for greater access to India’s agriculture and dairy sectors.
India and the US have held five rounds of negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement, but have yet to reach a deal.
That's largely because New Delhi has resisted opening these sectors to cheaper American imports, citing concerns that would endanger jobs of millions of Indians who rely on them for their livelihoods.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed not to yield to the pressure.
“For me, the interests of farmers, small businesses and dairy are topmost. My government will ensure they aren’t impacted,” Modi said at a rally this week in his home state of Gujarat. He said the world was witnessing a “politics of economic selfishness."
A US delegation cancelled plans to visit New Delhi this week for a sixth round of trade talks.
India plans local reforms to cushion the blow from tariffs
The government has begun working on reforms to boost local consumption and insulate the economy.
It has moved to change the goods and services tax, or consumption tax, to lower costs for insurance, cars and appliances ahead of the major Hindu festival of Diwali in October.
The government council is to meet early next month to decide on cutting taxes.
The trade ministry and finance ministry are discussing financial incentives that would include favorable bank loan rates for exporters.
The trade ministry also is weighing steps to expand exports to other regions, particularly Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia.
Trade negotiations underway with the European Union could gain renewed urgency as India works to reduce its dependence on the US market.
AP