Enter your keyword

8053+ OFFICERS SERVING THE NATION UNIVERSAL COACHING CENTRE Let's join hands together in bringing Your Name in Elite officers list. JOIN US 25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE MEET NEW FRIENDS AND STUDY WITH EXPERTS JOIN US Nothing is better than having friends study together. Each student can learn from others through by teamwork building and playing interesting games. Following instruction of experts, you and friends will gain best scores.

ULP Click here! Click here! Classroom Programme NRA-CET Test Series
Click here ! Org code: XSHWV

post

India’s Exports Face Heavy US Tariffs

Why in the News?

The US has enforced 50% tariffs on India’s exports from August 27, 2025, including an additional 25% penalty tariff linked to India’s Russian oil imports. This move, reminiscent of Trump-era trade policies, is expected to impact 55% of India’s US-bound shipments, worth nearly $47–48 billion, raising trade war fears and concerns about India’s manufacturing competitiveness in the US market.

Impact on Indian Economy and Exporters:

  • Scale of Impact:

○ 55% of India’s US-bound shipments (~$47–48 billion) exposed.

○ Exporters predict 30–35% pricing disadvantage compared to competitors (China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, SE Asia).

  • Exporters’ Concerns:

○ Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO): warned of severe impact on competitiveness.

○ Could result in loss of market share to rival economies.

  • RBI’s Support:

○ RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra assured support for adversely affected sectors.

  • GST Council Response (Sept 3–4 meeting):

○ Considering rate cuts & rationalisation to boost consumption and mitigate slowdown.

Geopolitical and Policy Dimensions:

  • US–India Trade Relations:

○ Tariffs linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil, reflecting strategic friction.

○ Potential for a new bilateral trade agreement to address tariff issues.

  • China Factor:

○ China has criticised US tariffs as “bullying” and expressed support for India.

○ Issue may arise during PM Modi–President Xi Jinping meeting in Tianjin (Aug 30), highlighting the complex dynamics between India and China in the face of US trade policies.

  • Domestic Policy Push:

○ PM Modi urging citizens to be “vocal for local” to reduce reliance on exports.

○ Government positioning Swadeshi mantra as long-term buffer against external shocks.

○ Emphasis on India’s Act East policy to diversify export markets, potentially exploring Central Asian markets as alternatives.

  • Broader Implications:

○ Trump-era tariffs could strain Indo-US trade ties, affect India’s growth prospects, and push India to diversify export markets.

○ India considering alternative trade routes, including the Suez Canal route, to maintain export competitiveness and explore new markets like Central Asia.

Background of the Tariffs & Trade Wars:

Tariffs & Trade Wars:
○ A tariff is a tax imposed on imports/exports to protect domestic industries or penalize trade practices.
○ India–US trade has often seen disputes, particularly over steel, aluminium, and agricultural exports.
Executive Order:
○ Tariffs implemented under U.S. President’s Executive Order 14329 (Aug 6, 2025), continuing the legacies of previous administrations’ trade policies.
○ Notification issued by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), effective Aug 27, 2025.
India’s Response Framework:
○ Past practice: retaliatory tariffs (2019 trade tensions).
○ Current stance: MEA calls tariffs “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable”, but no counter-tariffs announced yet.
○ India launching export promotion mission to offset impact of US tariffs and explore new markets, including Central Asian markets.
Exemptions: Iron, steel, aluminium, passenger vehicles, copper products, and certain industrial inputs.