Trump’s punishing 50% tariffs on Indian exports come into effect

The United States has imposed 50 percent tariffs on many Indian products, doubling existing duties in response to India’s purchases of Russian oil. President Trump, who has targeted both allies and rivals with new levies since returning to office, is using the move to pressure New Delhi as part of efforts to end the Ukraine conflict.
While sectors such as pharmaceuticals, computer chips, and smartphones are exempt, the high tariff is one of the steepest faced by any U.S. trading partner. Analysts warn it could hurt smaller Indian firms, calling it close to a trade embargo.
India, whose exports to the U.S. reached $87.3 billion in 2024, has denounced the measure as unfair. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to ease the tax burden on citizens and stressed self-reliance. Despite the pressure, Indian Oil says it will keep buying Russian crude when economically viable, with Russia supplying about 36 percent of India’s oil imports last year.
Credit: CGTN