The United States has announced a 90-day suspension of additional import tariffs on Indian goods, effective until July 9, as per an executive order issued by the White House. The move comes in the wake of a broader tariff policy announced on April 2, when former President Donald Trump imposed new duties on exports from around 60 countries, including significantly higher levies on nations such as India.
India was among the countries hit with an additional 26% import duty under the sweeping trade measures, aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit and promoting domestic manufacturing. The new tariffs threatened to impact a range of Indian exports to the U.S., including key sectors like seafood (particularly shrimp), steel, and other industrial products.
While the temporary suspension offers a reprieve for Indian exporters, the high tariffs remain in place for several other countries, notably Thailand, Vietnam, and China. Importantly, the suspension does not extend to China or its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau, which continue to face elevated tariffs under the revised U.S. trade policy.
The White House’s decision to delay enforcement for India is seen as a gesture towards maintaining stable trade relations with one of its key strategic partners in Asia. It also opens a window for further diplomatic engagement and possible trade negotiations aimed at reaching more balanced terms.
Industry experts note that the 90-day relief could help Indian exporters sustain momentum in the competitive U.S. market, but uncertainty remains over the long-term tariff landscape. Stakeholders across various sectors will be closely watching for any further developments ahead of the July deadline.
