Episodes

  • US Imposes 26 Percent Tariffs on Indian Exports Trump Administration Targets Trade Barriers in Reciprocal Economic Move

    US Imposes 26 Percent Tariffs on Indian Exports Trump Administration Targets Trade Barriers in Reciprocal Economic Move
    Jun 1 2025
    Listeners, welcome to this episode of India Tariff News and Tracker, bringing you the latest updates on US-India tariff developments as of June 1, 2025.

    Big news continues to dominate the headlines: the United States under President Donald Trump has issued sweeping new tariffs, including a significant 26 percent ad valorem duty on a wide array of Indian exports. This move, announced on April 2, 2025, forms part of Trump’s renewed push for so-called “reciprocal tariffs.” The administration claims these measures are a response to what it characterizes as unfair trade practices and high barriers to US goods entering foreign markets, with India singled out for having the highest average tariff rates among major economies.

    According to official White House fact sheets and legal documentation, the new regime imposes a baseline 10 percent tariff on all countries, but India faces a much steeper country-specific rate. The 26 percent tariff on most Indian goods, implemented from April 9, 2025, sharply raises costs for Indian exporters targeting the US market. There are some exemptions—including for pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, energy, and copper products—but for sectors like textiles, agricultural goods, and consumer products, the tariff bite is substantial. Goods containing at least 20 percent US-origin content are only taxed on the non-US portion, giving limited relief to certain Indian supply chain operators.

    For context, the US Trade Representative’s National Trade Estimate Report for 2025 highlighted that India’s average most favored nation applied tariff stood at 17 percent in 2023, with agricultural tariffs soaring to an average of 39 percent. President Trump has repeatedly criticized India as the world’s “tariff king,” and these new US tariffs appear aimed at pressuring India to lower trade barriers and open its market more widely to American goods.

    US officials cite legal backing under the Trade Act of 1974 to defend these reciprocal tariffs, though many analysts predict legal challenges ahead at the World Trade Organization. While the political rhetoric has heated up, Indian businesses are grappling with immediate uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs for goods bound for the US. Meanwhile, economic strategists suggest this escalation could be an opportunity for India to rethink its own protectionist policies and position itself as a more reliable global trading partner.

    Listeners, that wraps up the latest on the US-India tariff front. These shifting policies will have profound implications for global trade and India’s export landscape. Thank you for tuning in to India Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe for more timely updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

    Avoid ths tariff fee's and check out these deals https://amzn.to/4iaM94Q
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Trump Imposes 26% Tariffs on Indian Imports Amid Trade Tensions Escalating Economic Uncertainty Between US and India

    Trump Imposes 26% Tariffs on Indian Imports Amid Trade Tensions Escalating Economic Uncertainty Between US and India
    May 29 2025
    Welcome to India Tariff News and Tracker. In today's update, we're covering the latest developments in US-India trade relations under the Trump administration.

    On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump imposed a sweeping 26% tariff on Indian imports to the United States as part of his "Reciprocal Tariffs" executive order. This move came after the US Trade Representative's annual report highlighted India's 17% average tariff rate as being among the highest of major economies, compared to the US average of just 3.3%.

    The tariffs, which took effect on April 9, 2025, apply to most Indian exports to the US, though certain exemptions exist for pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, energy products, and goods with at least 20% US origin content.

    In a significant development, on May 12, 2025, Trump secured what the White House called "a historic trade win" with China, agreeing to suspend the 34% reciprocal tariff imposed on Chinese goods for 90 days while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff. This raises questions about whether similar negotiations might be possible with India.

    As of today, May 29, 2025, the 26% tariff on Indian goods remains in effect, creating significant challenges for Indian exporters. The tariffs have triggered ripples across global supply chains and intensified economic uncertainty worldwide.

    Some analysts suggest this situation presents an opportunity. As Foreign Policy noted in an article published today, India could potentially position itself as "a more reliable trading partner to the world than either China or the United States" amid ongoing US-China trade tensions and the global "China+1" supply chain diversification strategy.

    However, achieving this would require India to address its own protectionist trade policies. Trump has repeatedly labeled India the world's "tariff king," pointing to India's high duties on various US exports, including agricultural products where tariffs reach 39%.

    The coming weeks may prove critical for US-India trade relations as both countries navigate these tensions while seeking a path forward that protects their respective economic interests.

    Thank you for tuning in to India Tariff News and Tracker. Remember to subscribe for more updates on this evolving situation. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

    Avoid ths tariff fee's and check out these deals https://amzn.to/4iaM94Q
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • US Imposes Steep 36 Percent Tariffs on Indian Imports Amid Trade Tensions Sparking Bilateral Negotiations

    US Imposes Steep 36 Percent Tariffs on Indian Imports Amid Trade Tensions Sparking Bilateral Negotiations
    May 25 2025
    Welcome to India Tariff News and Tracker, your source for the latest developments in tariffs, trade policy, and US-India economic relations.

    As of late May 2025, the trade relationship between the United States and India is undergoing a dramatic shift. Earlier this spring, President Donald Trump, now in his second term, announced sweeping new tariffs as part of a broader “reciprocal tariff” regime. Effective April 5, 2025, a baseline 10 percent tariff was imposed on imports from virtually all countries. However, India found itself especially targeted: starting April 9, 2025, a country-specific tariff took effect, raising the rate on Indian goods entering the US by a further 26 percent. That means most Indian exports to America now face a combined tariff rate of 36 percent, subject to certain exemptions. Goods such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, energy, and copper are exempt, along with products with at least 20 percent US-origin content, which are taxed only on their non-US portion. According to S.S. Rana & Co., these tariffs were justified by the administration as a response to India’s own high trade barriers and are rooted in Section 301 authority of the US Trade Act of 1974, but are likely to face challenges at the World Trade Organization.

    President Trump’s stated rationale for these tariffs has been to address the large and persistent US trade deficit, restore American manufacturing, and counter what he called non-reciprocal trade practices. The White House describes India’s average applied tariff rate as 17 percent, which is the highest among the world’s largest economies. For context, agricultural goods in India are subject to average tariffs of 39 percent, while non-agricultural goods average 13.5 percent. The US, meanwhile, maintains an average applied tariff of just 3.3 percent. The new tariffs, according to the White House fact sheet, will remain in effect until the administration determines the trade deficit threat is resolved.

    In the midst of these escalating measures, there is also movement toward diplomacy. Early April saw the US and India announce the Terms of Reference for a new bilateral trade agreement. According to the Office of the US Trade Representative, the goal is to expand market access, reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and build a results-driven agenda for mutual benefit. The United States welcomed India’s willingness to reduce certain tariffs as part of these negotiations, and there is anticipation of initial outcomes later this year.

    For Indian exporters, the sudden tariff escalation has already created volatility and uncertainty, especially in sectors like textiles, agricultural products, and consumer goods. While some relief is available for select products, the overall impact is expected to be significant for bilateral trade flows in the coming months.

    That’s all for today’s update on the US-India tariff front. Thank you for tuning in to India Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

    Avoid ths tariff fee's and check out these deals https://amzn.to/4iaM94Q
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • US Imposes 26 Percent Tariff on Indian Imports Amid Trade Tensions Sparking Economic Challenges and Diplomatic Negotiations

    US Imposes 26 Percent Tariff on Indian Imports Amid Trade Tensions Sparking Economic Challenges and Diplomatic Negotiations
    May 22 2025
    Welcome to India Tariff News and Tracker, bringing listeners the latest developments in U.S. trade policy and what it means for India right now.

    In early April 2025, the U.S. administration, under President Donald J. Trump, rolled out a sweeping new tariff structure, dramatically reshaping trade relationships with key partners, including India. According to India Briefing, the Trump administration imposed a 26 percent tariff on most imports from India, effective April 9, 2025, targeting goods beyond those already covered by Most Favored Nation duties. This move was presented as a reciprocal response, aiming to counter what the White House calls unfair trade practices by India and others.

    The policy features a two-phase approach. Starting April 5, 2025, the U.S. implemented a baseline 10 percent tariff on imports from all countries. Then, on April 9, an additional, country-specific tariff took effect—for India, that meant the headline 26 percent rate. However, some products are exempted, including certain pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, energy items, and copper, as outlined by S.S. Rana & Co. Additionally, goods with at least 20 percent U.S. origin content are taxed only on the non-U.S. portion, providing limited relief for some Indian exporters.

    The U.S. Trade Representative’s National Trade Estimate Report, released just before the tariffs, highlighted that India’s average Most Favored Nation applied tariff rate stands at 17 percent—the highest among major economies—with rates as high as 39 percent for agricultural goods, and significant tariffs on items like vegetable oils, apples, corn, and automobiles, according to India Briefing.

    President Trump has invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, citing persistent U.S. trade deficits and the need to address what he describes as years of nonreciprocal treatment. The tariffs remain in force until the administration believes the threat posed by these imbalances has been resolved, as per a White House fact sheet.

    The impact on Indian businesses is immediate, with export competitiveness and supply chain stability under pressure. Unlike its approach with China, where the U.S. recently suspended certain tariffs for negotiation, Trump’s administration has maintained strong trade leverage against India and other allies. The Japan Times notes that this approach has rattled the U.S.-India strategic partnership, as India refrains from retaliation, instead seeking to negotiate new deals and increased purchases of U.S. goods. Trump has also publicly linked these trade moves to broader geopolitical considerations, including India’s regional security policies.

    Indian exporters are now adjusting to higher costs and seeking exemptions wherever possible, while some sectors benefit from specific carve-outs. The situation remains fluid as both nations continue discussions, with Indian policymakers emphasizing the need for dialogue and compromise.

    Thank you for tuning in to India Tariff News and Tracker. Be sure to subscribe for ongoing coverage and analysis. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

    Avoid ths tariff fee's and check out these deals https://amzn.to/4iaM94Q
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • India Offers Zero Tariffs on 60 Percent of Goods in Historic Trade Deal Proposal to Trump Administration

    India Offers Zero Tariffs on 60 Percent of Goods in Historic Trade Deal Proposal to Trump Administration
    May 15 2025
    Welcome to India Tariff News and Tracker, where we bring listeners up to speed on the latest headlines and developments in US-India trade relations and tariffs as of May 15, 2025.

    India has surged into the global trade spotlight after US President Donald Trump’s administration rolled out an aggressive new wave of tariffs targeting dozens of countries, including India. On April 2, Trump labeled the day “Liberation Day” for US trade policy, announcing a sweeping set of reciprocal tariffs. From April 5, a baseline 10 percent tariff on all imports took effect, but specific rates have gone much higher for some nations. For India, the new US tariff rate was set at a significant 26 percent, directly targeting major Indian exports spanning seafood, industrial metals like steel, and more. India Briefing reports that this move is part of a broader policy to recoup what Trump described as decades of unfair trade treatment by foreign nations.

    Driving this shift is longstanding criticism from Trump about India’s high tariffs, which the US Trade Representative’s 2025 National Trade Estimate Report describes as the highest among major economies. In 2023, India’s most favored nation applied tariff rate averaged 17 percent, with agricultural goods attracting a striking 39 percent tariff and non-agricultural goods at 13.5 percent. Specific Indian goods like vegetable oils, apples, corn, motorcycles, automobiles, and alcoholic beverages face some of the steepest barriers. Trump has argued that while American motorcycles face tariffs as high as 100 percent in India, the US imposes only 2.4 percent on Indian motorcycles.

    But in a surprising twist, negotiations have recently made headway. At a business gathering in Qatar this week, President Trump revealed that India has offered what he described as a historic trade deal. According to Trump and Reuters, India has proposed to bring tariffs on 60 percent of tariff lines down to zero in the first phase of a new trade agreement, essentially offering no tariffs on a broad array of American products. In return, India is seeking a full exemption from both existing and potential future US tariff hikes, a concession not even granted to the United Kingdom in recent US agreements.

    This proposal comes as the US temporarily suspended extra tariffs on Indian exports for a 90-day period, effective until July 9, a goodwill measure to bolster ongoing negotiations. India is also reportedly offering preferential access to nearly 90 percent of goods imported from the US. Critics note that while Trump’s team touts the reciprocal nature of these tariffs, some of the figures presented by the administration include harder-to-quantify factors such as currency manipulation and non-tariff barriers, which can inflate the effective tariff rate reported in public statements.

    With the 26 percent US tariff on Indian goods active unless a deal is struck and India offering zero tariffs on much of American trade, all eyes are on Washington and New Delhi. Any breakthrough could redefine the economic ties between the two nations, impacting everything from high-tech manufacturing to the price on everyday goods.

    Thanks for tuning in to India Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

    Avoid ths tariff fee's and check out these deals https://amzn.to/4iaM94Q
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • US Considers Trade Boost with India as Reciprocal Tariffs Loom, Bilateral Agreement Negotiations Gain Momentum

    US Considers Trade Boost with India as Reciprocal Tariffs Loom, Bilateral Agreement Negotiations Gain Momentum
    May 11 2025
    Welcome to India Tariff News and Tracker. In today's update, we have significant developments regarding US-India trade relations.

    President Donald Trump announced late yesterday that he plans to "increase trade substantially" with India and Pakistan following their recent ceasefire agreement. This statement comes amid ongoing tensions between the two South Asian nations, though both sides have accused each other of violating the truce since it was announced.

    The announcement represents a potential shift in the tariff landscape that has been evolving since April. Currently, India faces a planned 27% reciprocal tariff from the United States, which was initially scheduled to take effect on April 9th but has been delayed until July 9th, 2025. This is part of Trump's broader tariff strategy announced on what he called "Liberation Day" (April 2nd).

    The US administration has placed most country-specific reciprocal tariffs on pause, implementing instead a flat 10% tariff on imports from all countries (with China and Hong Kong being notable exceptions at 125%). However, India remains on the list for the delayed 27% rate coming in July.

    Trade relations between the two countries have been strained due to significant imbalances. India maintains one of the highest average applied tariff rates among major economies at 17%, compared to the US rate of just 3.3%. For agricultural products, the gap is even wider with India at 39% versus the US at 5%.

    The Office of the US Trade Representative highlighted these disparities in its annual National Trade Estimate Report released on March 31st. Despite these challenges, experts note that the impact on India's exports may be limited since only 18% of India's total exports go to the US, with automobiles and electronics—sectors most affected by the tariffs—comprising a relatively small portion of that trade.

    Pharmaceuticals, which represent 10% of India's exports to the US, remain exempt from the new tariffs, providing some cushion for bilateral trade. The US and India have also established Terms of Reference for a potential bilateral trade agreement, which could address these imbalances in the future.

    Thank you for tuning in to India Tariff News and Tracker. Make sure to subscribe for regular updates on this evolving situation. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

    Avoid ths tariff fee's and check out these deals https://amzn.to/4iaM94Q
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Trump Imposes 26 Percent Tariff on Indian Exports Targeting Trade Deficit and Aiming to Protect US Manufacturing Interests

    Trump Imposes 26 Percent Tariff on Indian Exports Targeting Trade Deficit and Aiming to Protect US Manufacturing Interests
    May 8 2025
    Welcome to India Tariff News and Tracker. In today’s update, listeners, we’re focusing on the latest developments in U.S.-India trade relations, tariff changes, and how the Trump administration’s recent decisions are reverberating through Indian business and global markets.

    On April 2, 2025, President Donald J. Trump announced sweeping tariff hikes targeting countries with which the U.S. has significant trade deficits. As part of his push for “reciprocal tariffs,” India was singled out, with a new 26 percent tariff imposed on Indian exports to the U.S., according to India Briefing. The administration justified these tariffs as a response to what it described as longstanding “unfair trade practices,” aiming to level the playing field for American manufacturers and exporters.

    In practice, the new policy works in two phases. While a flat 10 percent tariff now applies to imports from all countries, including India, certain countries with prominent trade imbalances—India among them—face even higher, individualized tariff rates. This 26 percent rate went into effect on April 5, 2025, and is especially impactful for major Indian export sectors, such as automobiles, auto parts, steel, and aluminum. Notably, Indian pharmaceuticals and semiconductors have been exempted from these duties, offering some relief for those industries, as reported by ClearTax.

    Despite these headline-grabbing measures, the majority of Indian exports to the U.S. might not experience severe disruption. ClearTax breaks down the numbers: U.S.-bound exports account for about 18 percent of all Indian exports. Automobiles and electronics, the most affected categories, represent roughly 16 percent of that figure, or just over $12 billion. While 10 to 40 percent of auto and electronics shipments could be hit hardest, this translates to only about 0.2 to 0.3 percent of India’s total GDP, according to some estimates.

    Some Indian sectors may even benefit. Textiles, for example, could gain an edge if the U.S. imports less from other affected countries due to wider tariff increases. Meanwhile, the U.S. Trade Representative’s March 2025 report continues to spotlight India’s own tariff rates—averaging 17 percent, with non-agricultural goods at 13.5 percent and agricultural goods at a steep 39 percent—demonstrating the ongoing friction over market access in both directions.

    Listeners, these developments mark a dramatic escalation in U.S.-India trade relations and set the stage for ongoing negotiation or potential retaliation. We’ll continue to track the consequences for Indian industry and global commerce as the situation unfolds.

    Thank you for tuning in to India Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe for regular updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

    Avoid ths tariff fee's and check out these deals https://amzn.to/4iaM94Q
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • US Implements Sweeping 27% Tariff on Indian Imports, Signaling Aggressive Trade Policy Shift in 2025

    US Implements Sweeping 27% Tariff on Indian Imports, Signaling Aggressive Trade Policy Shift in 2025
    May 4 2025
    Here’s the script for your podcast episode, designed to be read verbatim:

    The US has rolled out sweeping tariff reforms under the Trump administration, significantly impacting global trade partners, including India. On April 2, 2025, termed “Liberation Day” by the administration, President Trump announced a phased tariff plan to address trade imbalances. A baseline 10% tariff on all imports took effect April 5, followed by country-specific rates starting April 9. For India, the rate escalated to 27%, according to an EY analysis. However, earlier reports referenced a 26% rate, reflecting potential nuances in product categories.

    India faces heightened challenges due to its trade dynamics with the US. The White House cited India’s average Most Favored Nation tariff of 17%—the highest among major economies—with agricultural goods taxed at 39%. The US Trade Representative’s March 2025 report criticized India’s non-tariff barriers on goods like automobiles, alcoholic beverages, and agricultural products.

    Recent escalations include a 25% global tariff on steel, aluminum, and automobiles, effective March 12 and April 3, respectively. A May 2 update targets Chinese goods shipped through postal networks with duties up to $150 per item, though India-specific adjustments remain focused on the April 9 framework. The administration claims these measures aim to rebalance trade deficits and protect domestic industries.

    India’s competitive position varies: its 27% tariff is lower than China’s 34% and Vietnam’s 46%, but higher than Canada and Mexico’s 25%—though USMCA exemptions for those countries complicate comparisons. The phased approach allows exemptions for US-originating content, requiring at least 20% domestic value.

    Retaliatory measures from trade partners, including India, remain under watch. While the US asserts these tariffs address decades of “non-reciprocal treatment,” global markets brace for ripple effects.

    Thank you for tuning in to India Tariff News and Tracker. Stay updated on evolving trade policies by subscribing. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

    Avoid ths tariff fee's and check out these deals https://amzn.to/4iaM94Q
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins