A Week of Hopes, Anxieties and Expectations Ahead for Exporters

This week begins with hopes and anxieties on what the Trump administration in the United States will or will not do on the issue of punitive tariffs on import of Indian goods, what our own government will do to help the exporters and the effect of protectionist measures on downstream users.

- TNC RAJAGOPALAN

President Donald Trump surprised India earlier this month by imposing 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods entering the US, in addition to the 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs he imposed towards the end of last month. He had left open a 21-day window before the additional tariffs come into effect. During this period, he cancelled the scheduled visit of the US trade delegation to India for negotiations on a trade deal. He appointed his close aide Sergio Gor as the ambassador to India rather than a seasoned professional, who can build better relations with India. Despite indications to the contrary, exporters hope that the punitive tariffs will be lifted before they kick in for shipments made after this Tuesday.