Reciprocal tariffs keep rubber industry on its toes

Stakeholders anticipate that setback would be especially bad for non-tyre products | Low tariffs for Turkey and Vietnam also likely to hurt

- ABHILASH CHANDRAN @Kottayam

AS a new round of reciprocal tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump took effect on products imported from various countries, including India on Wednesday morning, the Indian rubber plantation sector and industry are facing the heat.

The stakeholders of Indian rubber sector have already expressed concerns over the impact of the revised US tariffs anticipating a possible setback for Indian rubber products, especially non-tyre products such as gloves, waterproof rubber sheets, glue, pneumatic tyres, balloons etc.

According to Shashi Singh, president of All India Rubber Industries Association, US buyers have already advised Indian manufacturers to temporarily suspend production.

"US buyers are working to clear their existing stock first, with the fresh demand expected only after those inventories are exhausted. However, by then, the pricing gap could further strain our foothold in this critical market," he said.