Letters and the spirit

Mr Trump has pushed global trade into uncharted territory

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As widely expected, United States (US) President Donald Trump on Monday sent letters outlining tariff rates ranging from 25 to 40 percent to be imposed on imports from over a dozen countries, effective August 1. Countries that have been informed about the new tariffs include Japan and South Korea, which will be charged a 25 percent tariff on imports aside from the sectoral rates. India did not figure in this exercise, and a statement by Mr Trump indicated that India and the US were close to arriving at a trade deal. From the Indian perspective, this must be welcomed, and the government must be credited for actively engaging with the US administration. However, the nature of the deal and possible concessions from both sides remain unclear. News reports suggest details may be out late Tuesday night, India time.