US Tariffs on India: A Trader’s Daily Dose of Déjà Red
If it feels like the market’s been stuck on repeat lately—you’re not imagining it. I’m an Indian trader, and every morning seems to start the same way: screen full of red, portfolio full of pain. It all began back in April with a 10% global tariff. Then came a 25% India-specific hike. And now? A steep 50% tariff, triggered by India’s continued oil trade with Russia.
The result? Export-heavy sectors are under pressure, and investor sentiment is walking on eggshells. Each trading session feels like navigating a storm with no forecast in sight.
And while we’ve seen volatility before, this time the uncertainty hits harder—because these aren’t just market swings, they’re geopolitical tremors. So if you’re wondering why the indices can’t catch a break lately, you’re not alone. This isn’t just about tariffs—it’s about the tension they bring with them.
Tariff Timeline: When And How Much?
- April 3, 2025 – Global Grilling Begins: The U.S. fires a 10% blanket tariff on 180+ nations. Pharma walks free—lucky pills.
- April 9, 2025 – Pause, But Not Really: Country-specific hikes hit snooze for 90 days. That global 10%? Still clinging like an annoying pop-up.
- May 29, 2025 – Courtroom Comeback: A U.S. court brings back the paused tariffs like a reboot nobody asked for. Surprise sequel, anyone?
- July 30, 2025 – India Gets Singled Out: Uncle Sam slaps 25% on Indian goods. Reason? Let’s just say trade love went cold.
- August 6, 2025 – Double Trouble: Another 25% added—because India’s still buying Russian oil. Total now 50%. That’s not a tariff; it’s a tantrum.
- India’s Reaction – Mic Drop Pending: India isn’t smiling. WTO retaliation in the works. Diplomatic popcorn sales about to spike.
What’s In the Tariff Crosshairs? A Trader’s Nightmare List
As if waking up to red candles wasn’t enough, now half our export basket’s under fire. The first 25% hit sectors like electronics, pharma, textiles, and gems—big names, big pain. Just when we were catching our breath, Trump ji threw in another 25%, this time targeting leather, chemicals, jewellery, footwear—and shrimp! Yes, even our prawns got dragged into this trade war. Some sectors like finished drugs, APIs, energy goods, and select electronics got spared, but for the rest of us? It’s survival mode.
Economists are warning that this could slice 30 to 80 basis points off our GDP if it continues. We traders feel it every time we hit the screen—fewer orders, tighter margins, more uncertainty. The government says it’ll strike back through WTO norms. Good. Because out here, it feels like we’re fighting this trade war candle by candle. And trust me—we’re exhausted BUDDY!
From Déjà Red To Bullish Ahead: Traders Shall Hold The Line
Every morning, when our screens turn red, we all think: “Not again!” These new U.S. tariffs feel like a bad rerun—hurting exports, scaring investors, and pulling markets down at the start. But let’s be honest—we’ve been through tougher times. From demonetisation to lockdowns, Indian traders have always found a way to bounce back.
Right now, while we wait for things to cool down between India and the U.S., many of us are playing smart—spreading our investments, staying with safer sectors, and looking for hidden chances even in the mess. This rough patch may be long, but it won’t last forever. Markets go through ups and downs. And when this storm clears, the ones who stayed calm, smart, and ready will be the first to benefit.
So, hang tight. After every red day, a green one always comes.
