Trump’s tariff strike: India hit with 26% duty as trade war escalates

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: As US President Donald Trump unleashed his global tariff war from the White House, India found itself grappling with a new regime that stopped short of full reciprocity but still posed significant trade barriers. With Trump deciding to charge half of the tariffs a country imposes on American imports, Indian exports to the US face a 26% tariff.

This is based on Trump’s assertion that India levies a 52% cumulative tariff on US goods. The US is India’s largest export market. However, more trade measures are expected, as outlined in the White House fact sheet.

A 10% tariff on all imports will take effect on 5 April, and starting 9 April, countries with the largest trade deficits with the US will face even higher reciprocal tariffs. As per the White House statement, the tariffs will remain in effect until Trump determines that any trade deficit and underlying non-reciprocal policies have been addressed. However, his order allows for modifications, which means Trump can raise tariffs in response to any retaliation or lower tariffs if a trading partner takes steps to align with the US’ economic and security interests.

India’s weighted average tariff has already declined from 17% in 2023 to 10.66% following the duty cuts announced in the Union Budget for 2025-26. Also read |Trump tariffs: US president hits India with 26% tariff—how could it impact India’s stock market Trade experts said that while India’s exports will be impacted by the US tariffs, the country was relatively better positioned than some of its key competitors. They, however, cautioned that prolonged uncertainty could dampen trade sentiment, making the early conclusion of negotiations between India and the US for a