Episodes

  • Trump Doubles Tariffs on Indian Imports Over Russian Oil Purchases Amid Escalating Trade Tensions Between US and India

    Trump Doubles Tariffs on Indian Imports Over Russian Oil Purchases Amid Escalating Trade Tensions Between US and India
    Aug 13 2025
    Listeners, welcome back to India Tariff News and Tracker. The biggest story this August is President Donald Trump’s move to double US tariffs on Indian imports. Just last week, Trump signed an executive order that slaps an additional 25 percent tariff on all Indian-origin products due to India’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil. This tariff is on top of the 25 percent “reciprocal tariff” rolled out on August 7, which means that by August 27, many Indian goods will face total US duties of 50 percent. Only a few sectors, such as some pharmaceutical and consumer electronics exports, are reportedly exempted, but for most products, this is among the steepest US tariff rates globally.

    The rationale from the White House is that India’s oil imports from Russia “undermine US efforts to counter Russia’s harmful activities” and present what’s described as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to US national security. Trump administration officials have accused India of not only importing large amounts of Russian oil, but also reselling it on the open market, allegedly for major profits. In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has called the move “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” and stated that New Delhi would take all steps necessary to protect its national interests. There’s been no announcement yet of retaliatory measures by India, but officials are doubling down on strategic ties with Russia and BRICS partners, signaling that they won’t be pressured into altering their energy policy.

    Adding to the tension, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said just yesterday that India is being “recalcitrant” in ongoing US-India trade talks. Despite US expectations, Treasury officials admit that there’s little prospect of a quick resolution. President Trump himself flatly refused to resume trade dialogue with India until the tariff dispute is settled. These developments have cast a shadow over what was once a promising partnership between Prime Minister Modi’s government and Washington. Earlier in Trump’s term, Modi was one of the first world leaders Trump hosted in his second term. But this summer, visible friction over everything from US mediation claims in India-Pakistan disputes to spelling out differences on energy strategy have led to a rapid unraveling in relations.

    On the economic side, S&P Global Ratings says these harsh tariffs are unlikely to threaten India’s overall GDP growth or its sovereign rating, since India is not heavily trade-dependent. US imports make up only about 2 percent of India’s GDP, and key sectors like pharma are largely spared. That said, Indian exporters in textiles, gems, steel, auto parts, and other manufacturing sectors are bracing for major disruptions in the US market, even as India pivots trade and diplomacy towards alternative partners like China and Brazil. Notably, while India now faces one of the sharpest tariff punishments, the Trump administration has offered a 90-day truce to China as part of ongoing negotiations, a contrast that has not escaped New Delhi’s notice.

    Thank you for tuning in to this special update on India Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest on trade actions, policy moves, and the real-time impact on Indian business and global affairs. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    4 mins
  • US Slaps 50 Percent Tariffs on Indian Goods Over Russian Oil Purchases Amid Trade Tensions and Diplomatic Standoff

    US Slaps 50 Percent Tariffs on Indian Goods Over Russian Oil Purchases Amid Trade Tensions and Diplomatic Standoff
    Aug 11 2025
    You’re listening to India Tariff News and Tracker for Monday, August 11, 2025. The headline today: the United States is moving to impose a steep 50 percent tariff on most Indian goods by August 27, after President Donald Trump doubled down on an initial 25 percent levy announced at the start of the month. According to NDTV, Trump first set a 25 percent tariff on August 1 and then added another 25 percent, citing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil as the driver of the escalation. NDTV also notes US-India trade topped $200 billion in 2023, underscoring how significant this shock could be to bilateral commerce.

    The Times of India reports the additional 25 percent tariff takes effect August 27, lifting cumulative duties on India to 50 percent and placing India among the highest-taxed US trading partners globally. Vice President JD Vance said the administration is still weighing whether to apply similar measures to China’s Russian oil purchases, highlighting broader geopolitical stakes.

    Firstpost reports Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded that India “will not compromise,” especially regarding farm sector interests, after what it describes as five rounds of failed negotiations in which Washington pressed for sweeping access to Indian agricultural markets. The Lowy Institute adds that the White House has ruled out broader trade talks until the tariff dispute is resolved, while pointing to longstanding US demands to lower Indian barriers on items like corn, soybeans, almonds, ethanol, and some GM products—issues that collide with Modi’s commitment to farmers.

    Hindustan Times live coverage says India’s government has called the tariffs “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” and notes the US move targets roughly half of Indian exports to America, with political signaling around Russian oil at its core. It also reports India is weighing countermeasures and that domestic leaders are warning about the competitiveness hit to Indian goods.

    On the market and finance front, the Economic Times, citing Bloomberg, reports Indian banks are tightening scrutiny on exporters’ loan applications, especially in textiles, gems, and jewelry, as firms assess cash flow risks and consider delaying orders while talks stall. Energetica India outlines the timeline: an initial 25 percent tariff effective August 1, ramping to 50 percent by August 27, compressing the window for de-escalation.

    Key takeaway for listeners: unless a deal emerges within the next two weeks, most Indian exports to the US could face a 50 percent tariff, a level that would materially reprice supply chains, pressure labor-intensive sectors, and test New Delhi’s balancing act on Russian energy and agricultural protections. We’ll track any movement on exemptions, counters, or a negotiation off-ramp.

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    3 mins
  • US Slaps 50 Percent Tariffs on India Sparking Trade War Economic Tensions and Potential Global Supply Chain Realignment

    US Slaps 50 Percent Tariffs on India Sparking Trade War Economic Tensions and Potential Global Supply Chain Realignment
    Aug 10 2025
    Listeners, today's top story is the dramatic escalation in US-India trade tensions after President Donald Trump’s administration announced new tariffs, with Indian exports now facing the highest US tariff rate in the world at 50 percent. According to Jagran Josh, as of August 7, 2025, US tariffs on India doubled from 25 percent to a whopping 50 percent, targeting key sectors like textiles, footwear, gems, jewellery, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. This is part of Trump's so-called reciprocal tariff strategy, which aims to force trading partners to lower their own tariffs on US products. India is being singled out more harshly than even China, with Trump's rhetoric focused on punishing New Delhi for its continued purchases of discounted Russian oil despite Western sanctions.

    India Today reports that US manufacturers themselves are alarmed by these tariffs, with former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu warning on CNBC that “it’s not India that’s worried, it’s American manufacturers who are panicking,” noting the strategic risk of alienating a vital global ally. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the move as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” emphasizing that the tariffs are in direct response to India’s oil trade with Russia, a practice the US itself and other allies continue in various forms.

    The impact is serious. The Indian Express cites UBS Chief India Economist Tanvee Gupta Jain, who estimates that $30 to $35 billion of India’s merchandise exports to America—out of $87 billion in 2024—are at risk, potentially dragging India’s GDP growth down by almost a full percentage point over the next two years. Some sectors, like pharma and smartphones, are still exempt due to ongoing Section 232 investigations, representing about 30 percent of Indian exports to the US.

    India isn’t taking the hit quietly. The Hindustan Times and Moneycontrol both report that New Delhi is weighing its first formal tariff retaliation on selected US goods, especially after the parallel dispute over steel and aluminum duties. India’s government has begun preparing legal grounds at the World Trade Organization and is considering proportional tariff measures to respond in kind. The US, meanwhile, has so far signaled no willingness to return to the negotiating table.

    The diplomatic fallout is already visible. According to Jacobin, India has suspended a planned purchase of US weapons and cancelled its defense minister’s visit to Washington. Instead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking a potential thaw with Beijing even as US-India relations hit a low point.

    This is not just a trade dispute—it’s a pivotal moment for India's role in global supply chains and international alliances. As FT notes, Trump's tariffs could reshape sourcing strategies, and India’s growing exports in electronics and smartphones might still find opportunities elsewhere. Indian policymakers are eyeing closer ties with BRICS partners and expanded trade negotiations with the EU, UK, and ASEAN.

    Thanks for tuning in to India Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.

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    4 mins
  • US Imposes Massive 50 Percent Tariffs on Indian Exports, Escalating Trade Tensions and Threatening Bilateral Relations

    US Imposes Massive 50 Percent Tariffs on Indian Exports, Escalating Trade Tensions and Threatening Bilateral Relations
    Aug 8 2025
    Listeners, the United States has just imposed some of the most significant tariffs on Indian exports in recent trade history, escalating tensions between the world’s largest democracies and ushering in an uncertain phase for global commerce. As reported by the Economic Times, President Donald Trump’s administration has increased tariffs on certain imports from India to a staggering 50 percent, making it the single highest duty India faces globally, rivaled only by tariffs the US has imposed on Brazil. This move comes in response to New Delhi’s continuing oil trade with Russia and Washington’s longstanding frustration over the rising US trade deficit with India.

    These measures come into effect on August 27, 2025, and there are some exemptions, but the policy is already being called a “slow-motion catastrophe” by experts quoted by Reuters, with the Carnegie Endowment’s Ashley Tellis warning that the punitive tariffs threaten to unravel a quarter-century of trust and cooperation between the two nations. According to the Office of the US Trade Representative, the US goods trade deficit with India hit $45.8 billion last year, up almost 6 percent from 2023. While US exports to India did grow somewhat, Indian exports to the US grew even faster, contributing to Washington’s escalating concerns.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for his part, is standing firm. He’s refused to cut tariffs on sensitive agricultural and dairy products, citing the need to protect millions of Indian farmers and to respect cultural and religious traditions. Modi has labeled this his “red line,” stating—directly to his domestic audience—that he’s prepared to pay a personal and political price to defend these sectors.

    On the US side, President Trump made it clear in statements reported by InsideTrade and the Times of India that he has no current plans to reopen trade talks with India, indicating that negotiations are on pause. Officials in the US State Department, including Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, have echoed that the relationship remains vital but admit to “serious concerns” about both India’s oil imports from Russia and the ongoing trade imbalance.

    Former State Department official Evan Feigenbaum has described the situation as one where the bilateral relationship risks being “dismantled by the very forces of domestic politics” that both sides had long worked to keep at bay. Issues around technology transfer, H-1B visas, and defense cooperation are also in sharper contention because of these tariffs.

    Listeners, these new tariffs not only reshape the pricing of Indian goods in the American marketplace but also inject further uncertainty into already strained US–India ties, affecting supply chains, jobs, and global market confidence.

    Thank you for tuning in to India Tariff News and Tracker. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss our latest updates and analysis on these crucial developments. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 mins
  • US Imposes Massive 25% Tariff on Indian Goods Amid Tensions Over Russian Oil Imports Trade War Escalates

    US Imposes Massive 25% Tariff on Indian Goods Amid Tensions Over Russian Oil Imports Trade War Escalates
    Aug 6 2025
    Welcome to India Tariff News and Tracker. Listeners, as of today, August 6th, 2025, the U.S.-India trade relationship is under intense spotlight, with dramatic new tariff actions from the Trump administration and deepening diplomatic tensions.

    The big headline for the day: the United States has officially set a 25% blanket tariff on all Indian goods entering the country, with the Trump administration openly threatening to raise that rate even higher in the coming days. According to the Times of India, President Trump has stated publicly that India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil is the main reason for this move. In an interview with CNBC, he dismissed India’s offer of potential “zero tariffs” for U.S. goods, saying that as long as India continues its Russian oil trade, tariffs will not only remain, but could rise “very substantially over the next 24 hours.” The official line from the Trump administration is that these tariffs are part of a broader effort to punish countries believed to be “financing” Russia’s war in Ukraine through energy purchases.

    For context, the Economic Times highlights just how central U.S. trade is to India’s economy. The United States is India’s largest export destination, with a trade surplus that has nearly doubled in the past decade. India’s exports to the U.S. reached about $81 billion in 2024, including major products like garments, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and jewelry. The new tariffs and threatened penalties could put nearly $64 billion of those exports at serious risk. According to a Reuters report cited in the Hindustan Times, internal Indian government assessments warn that the combined impact of a 25% tariff—plus a possible 10% penalty specifically tied to Russian oil—could erode Indian exporters’ price competitiveness and lead to substantial export losses.

    Politically, India’s response has been firm. The Ministry of External Affairs has labeled the U.S. tariff moves “unjustified and unreasonable,” pointing out what they argue is a double standard: both the United States and European Union continue to import key resources from Russia, even as they pressure India to halt its own Russian dealings. India maintains that it will take “all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”

    The Reserve Bank of India, meanwhile, is watching the situation closely. As reported by NDTV, the RBI has held its policy rate steady at 5.5% but admits that it’s too early to estimate the economic fallout from these escalating tariffs. Growth forecasts have been nudged lower, and Indian officials are emphasizing the importance of domestic economic resilience in the face of evolving global trade tensions.

    In a particularly sharp development, Bloomberg Television notes that Trump is now also threatening much steeper tariffs—potentially up to 250%—on imported pharmaceuticals, a major Indian export sector, as part of a push to onshore drug manufacturing back to the U.S. This uncertainty is leaving Indian exporters, policymakers, and business leaders in a constant state of flux, as they await details on how high tariffs will actually go and whether last-minute diplomacy can avert further escalation.

    Listeners, that’s the latest as the U.S.-India trade dispute continues to evolve at breakneck pace. We’ll be tracking every tariff headline and trade negotiation. Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe to stay up-to-date with all our India Tariff News and Tracker updates.

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    4 mins
  • US Imposes Massive 25% Tariffs on Indian Goods Amid Trade Tensions Economic Impact and Geopolitical Standoff Emerge

    US Imposes Massive 25% Tariffs on Indian Goods Amid Trade Tensions Economic Impact and Geopolitical Standoff Emerge
    Aug 4 2025
    Listeners, today’s top story on India Tariff News and Tracker is the drastic escalation in trade tensions between the United States and India following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a sweeping 25% tariff on all Indian goods entering the US, set to take effect on August 7. According to the Times of India, the US has enacted this uniform tariff alongside an unspecified penalty, with key Indian export sectors such as textiles, marine products, and home textiles already bracing for severe consequences. Notably, the new tariff puts India at a significant competitive disadvantage, with other countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Turkey facing substantially lower US tariffs, typically in the 15 to 20% range.

    The rationale behind Trump’s move appears to be as much political as economic. SBI Research, cited by the Times of India, points out that US-India trade talks had been progressing until recently, with both sides indicating optimism. That changed abruptly last week when Trump linked the tariffs not only to perennial trade deficit concerns but to India's growing defense and energy ties with Russia, as well as India’s participation in the BRICS coalition, which Trump has labeled as "anti-US." Trump told reporters that targeting BRICS members with higher tariffs is part of an effort to protect the dominance of the US dollar and counter what he sees as threats to America’s global economic standing.

    This move by the Trump administration reverses years of progress in the US-India economic relationship. NDTV highlights that the US is India’s largest trading partner, with two-way trade now exceeding $200 billion each year. US foreign direct investment in India stands at around $60 billion, and Indian companies have invested more than $40 billion in the US. But according to President Trump, these figures are not sufficient to justify more favorable access for Indian goods, particularly when he claims that India “has done relatively little business with the US.”

    The Modi government’s immediate response, as reported by the Economic Times, has been to double down on efforts to promote indigenous production and brand building under the "Make in India" initiative. Modi has publicly urged Indian consumers and policymakers to preferentially support homegrown products and has called for new programs to buffer vulnerable export sectors such as marine foods. Indian authorities have also refused to bow to US pressure on agricultural access and dairy imports, emphasizing that these industries are vital for domestic employment and sensitive cultural considerations.

    MUFG Research warns that the 25% tariffs could trim India’s GDP growth by 0.3 percentage points, impact the rupee, and threaten around half of India’s $85 billion in US exports, although electronics and pharmaceutical exports are temporarily exempt. Talks are set to resume later in August, but, for now, policy uncertainty and a hard stance from both sides cast a shadow over efforts to reach a new trade deal.

    Listeners, that wraps up your update for today, August 4th, 2025. Thanks for tuning in to India Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest headlines and analysis. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    4 mins
  • US Imposes Massive 25 Percent Tariff on Indian Imports Sparking Trade Tensions and Economic Uncertainty in 2025

    US Imposes Massive 25 Percent Tariff on Indian Imports Sparking Trade Tensions and Economic Uncertainty in 2025
    Aug 3 2025
    Listeners, welcome to India Tariff News and Tracker, your source for the latest headlines and developments on trade policy impacting India and the United States.

    This week marks a major turning point in US-India trade. Following President Trump’s announcement, the United States has officially levied a sweeping 25 percent tariff on virtually all Indian imports as of August 1, 2025, shaking both New Delhi and global markets. According to the Economic Times Government, this move is rooted in Trump’s "America First" approach, and justified by the administration as a response to trade imbalances, stalled concessions from India, and continued Indian purchases of Russian energy and defense technology.

    Indian authorities, including the Ministry of Commerce, have responded with measured concern, stating that India is “closely studying the implications” and remains committed to seeking a fair and mutually beneficial trade accord. The government is evaluating further steps to secure national interests and has highlighted positive progress with other trading partners, such as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the UK, as evidence of its commitment to open markets.

    The tariff’s effects could be severe for Indian exporters. Modern Diplomacy reports that $87 billion worth of Indian goods—nearly a fifth of all nationwide exports—now face higher costs as they head to the vital US market. Sectors most at risk include pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics, and machinery. Trade insiders in The Economic Times warn that Indian exporters are already bracing for US order cancellations and tighter margins, with calls for immediate government support such as interest equalization on export credit and enhanced export promotion incentives. The textile industry, in particular, anticipates layoffs and lost business as the US is the largest buyer of Indian textiles.

    Despite the blanket tariff, there are strategic carveouts. According to a YouTube analysis, smartphones, computers, semiconductors, and services exports remain exempt for now, giving some relief to high-value tech exports—especially as Indian smartphone shipments to the US have surged to record highs in 2025, largely driven by Apple’s expanded manufacturing footprint in India. However, these exemptions are under review and could be revoked as the US Commerce Department examines the national security implications.

    Diplomatically, this tariff escalation signals a breakdown in fast-progressing trade negotiations and could reshape the US-India partnership. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi sought to double trade with the US to $500 billion by 2030, with both leaders announcing ambitious defense and technology cooperation. But tensions over tariffs, digital taxes, and Russia policy have derailed progress.

    Adding to the complexity, South China Morning Post reports the US has simultaneously unveiled a large oil exploration deal with Pakistan, signaling a shift in regional alliances and putting further pressure on New Delhi at a sensitive moment.

    Indian ministries are currently reviewing possible tariff concessions for coming negotiations. Analysts caution that while selective concessions may offer hope, exporters and policymakers alike face an uncertain road ahead.

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

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    4 mins
  • Trump Imposes Massive 25% Tariffs on Indian Goods Citing Trade Imbalances and Geopolitical Tensions

    Trump Imposes Massive 25% Tariffs on Indian Goods Citing Trade Imbalances and Geopolitical Tensions
    Aug 1 2025
    Listeners, welcome back to India Tariff News and Tracker, where we keep you updated on the latest US-India trade developments and tariffs. Major changes have just come from Washington. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 25% tariff on all goods imported from India, effective August 7, following months of negotiations between the two countries. According to The Economic Times, the White House unveiled an extensive list of new tariffs on nearly 70 countries, but India faces one of the toughest crackdowns, as it’s been denied all product-level exemptions—even in sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics that previously enjoyed relief.

    This 25% “Reciprocal Tariff, Adjusted” on Indian goods comes as part of Trump’s new executive order titled “Further Modifying The Reciprocal Tariff Rates,” released just yesterday. The President justified these actions by pointing to what he called persistent trade imbalances as well as India’s continued purchase of Russian military equipment and crude oil, despite ongoing US pressure over the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump stated that some countries have shown willingness to correct trade barriers, but India has not offered terms he believes are sufficient to address what he called unfair trade practices.

    ABC News reports that the U.S. sees India’s existing tariffs as “far too high, among the highest in the World,” with certain categories exceeding 100%. The U.S ran a $45 billion trade deficit with India last year, and officials argue that steep Indian tariffs have consistently blocked American producers from gaining fair access to the Indian market. The current escalation is also intended to press India to align with U.S. economic and national security interests, signaling a new phase of trade confrontation.

    For listeners interested in specifics, this blanket 25% tariff covers nearly all sectors, including key exports like petroleum products, smartphones, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, electronics, and textiles. According to an analysis by the Global Trade Research Initiative, this move could reduce India’s exports to the U.S. by up to 30% in the coming fiscal year, bringing them down from $86.5 billion to about $60.6 billion.

    By contrast, some of India’s export competitors—such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam—are facing a lower 20% duty, as reported by The Times of India. The lack of exemptions for India is expected to hit its most valuable export categories, particularly those with high import content and limited domestic value addition, like pharmaceuticals and electronics.

    The Indian government has responded that it’s taken note of Trump’s comments and is closely studying the implications of these new tariffs as trade negotiations continue. These measures are some of the biggest headlines in US-India trade news this week, and the impact is likely to reverberate throughout both economies.

    Thanks for tuning in to India Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay up to date on these fast-moving developments. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 mins