The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) is sending a clear message to India: don’t let pressure from the US government, especially under President Donald Trump, push you into quick trade deals that could hurt your most important sectors, like agriculture. Why? Because rushing into agreements under stress can lead to “irreversible consequences” that might lock India into unfavorable terms for years to come. GTRI warns that these deals might not even last if the political winds change in Washington, leaving India stuck with bad bargains. Their advice? Stay strong, hold your ground, and don’t trade away what really matters, even when the US turns up the heat with aggressive tactics. After all, India isn’t the only country facing this kind of pressure- and the stakes are high.
Common Pressure On India And Other Nations
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India isn’t the only country feeling the heat from the US on trade. The Trump administration is currently negotiating with over 20 countries and pushing for concessions from more than 90 nations worldwide.
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Despite all this pressure, some heavy hitters like Japan, South Korea, the European Union, and Australia are standing their ground and pushing back against US demands.
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These tough negotiations are what GTRI calls MASALA deals—which stands for Mutually Agreed Settlements Achieved through Leveraged Arm-twisting. Sounds spicy, right? But really, it means the US is using a lot of pressure and leverage to get what it wants.
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What’s tricky about these MASALA deals? They often ask countries to lower their tariffs without getting the same benefits in return from the US, plus commit to buying American goods—and all this while leaving the door open for the US to slap on more tariffs later.
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This shared resistance from many countries shows they’re growing wise to these aggressive US trade tactics and aren’t willing to just accept one-sided deals.
| Country/Region | Tariff Rate | Effective Date | Notes | |
| General | 10% Universal Tariff | April 5, 2025 | Applied on all imports under Executive Order 14245 | |
| 50% Steel & Aluminum | June 4, 2025 | Increased from previous 25% rate | ||
| 25% Automobiles | April 3, 2025 | Exemptions for USMCA-compliant goods | ||
| China | 30% Tariff | May 14, 2025 | Includes 20% fentanyl tariff + 10% universal tariff | |
| De Minimis Exemption | May 14, 2025 | Reduced from 120% to 54% | ||
| Canada | 25% Tariff | March 4, 2025 | Delayed for USMCA-compliant goods | |
| 10% Energy Products | Ongoing | Applies to oil and gas imports | ||
| 35% Tariff | August 1, 2025 | Announced July 11, 2025 | ||
| Mexico | 25% Tariff | March 4, 2025 | Delayed for USMCA-compliant goods | |
| 50% Tariff | August 1, 2025 | Announced July 11, 2025 | ||
| European Union | 30% Tariff (Threatened) | August 1, 2025 (pending) | Amid ongoing trade negotiations | |
| Vietnam | Up to 40% Tariff | July 7, 2025 | Targeting transshipped goods | |
| Brazil | 50% Tariff | August 1, 2025 | ||
| Cambodia | 36% Tariff | August 1, 2025 | ||
| Laos & Myanmar | 40% Tariff | August 1, 2025 |
Trump’s Trade Threats Losing Credibility Globally
Feeling the heat from Trump’s trade threats? You’re not alone. According to GTRI, after more than three months of relentless pressure, only the UK and Vietnam have thrown in the towel and agreed to the US’s “one-sided trade terms.” Meanwhile, big players like Japan, the EU, and South Korea are standing their ground, basically saying, “Thanks, but no thanks.” So, what’s India’s play here? GTRI suggests watching this global standoff closely and thinking twice before jumping into any rushed deals that might collapse with the next change in US politics. Think Trump’s tough talk will last? The report hints it might just fizzle out—and leave some countries stuck in shaky trade agreements.
Trump’s Tariffs: A New Wave Of Trade Punishment
Here’s the latest twist in the trade saga: the Trump administration is turning up the heat with some hefty tariffs on its own allies. On July 7, the US slapped a 25% tariff on imports from Japan and South Korea. Not long after, on July 12, it threatened to crank things up even further with a 30% tariff on products from the European Union and Mexico—right in the middle of ongoing talks. The goal? To pressure these countries into making concessions. But here’s the catch: instead of getting everyone on board, these tough tariff moves have sparked more resistance than agreement, stirring up tensions worldwide. So, if you’re India, it’s worth pausing to think—how will this escalating tariff battle impact your own trade decisions? Sometimes standing firm is the smartest move in a tricky game.
US Tariff Actions
| Date | Country | Tariff Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 7 | Japan, S. Korea | 25% | Tariffs on imports imposed |
| July 12 | EU, Mexico | 30% | Tariffs threatened amid talks |
(With Inputs From ANI)
Aishwarya is a journalism graduate with over three years of experience thriving in the buzzing corporate media world. She’s got a knack for decoding business news, tracking the twists and turns of the stock market, covering the masala of the entertainment world, and sometimes her stories come with just the right sprinkle of political commentary. She has worked with several organizations, interned at ZEE and gained professional skills at TV9 and News24, And now is learning and writing at NewsX, she’s no stranger to the newsroom hustle. Her storytelling style is fast-paced, creative, and perfectly tailored to connect with both the platform and its audience. Moto: Approaching every story from the reader’s point of view, backing up her insights with solid facts.
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