The United States has officially imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports after the latest 25% duty, announced earlier this month by President Donald Trump, came into effect today at 9:31 am. The move doubles the trade tax on India.
Trump introduced the additional tariffs as a punishment for India’s purchase of oil from Russia. Meanwhile, India has called it “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, the new duties will apply to Indian products entering the American market from August 27, 2025.
While most exports will be affected, some sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and auto parts are exempt. Humanitarian shipments and goods already in transit are also excluded.
Indian exporters are worried about losing orders from the US, though officials have suggested they may receive government support and be encouraged to expand into other global markets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said that India would not bow to foreign pressure and said the interests of farmers, small industries, and cattle rearers would remain his priority. PM Modi also called for a stronger “swadeshi” push, saying what matters most is that “the sweat and hard work should be Indian.”
The tariffs come after five rounds of trade talks between Washington and New Delhi failed to deliver a deal.
Meanwhile, Trump has warned other countries to remove what he called “digital taxes and regulations” targeting US technology companies. He threatened fresh tariffs on nations that continue with such policies.
Shivam Verma is a journalist with over three years of experience in digital newsrooms. He currently works at NewsX, having previously worked for Firstpost and DNA India. A postgraduate diploma holder in Integrated Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Shivam focuses on international affairs, diplomacy, defence, and politics. Beyond the newsroom, he is passionate about football—both playing and watching—and enjoys travelling to explore new places and cuisines.
