Key Points

India could lose up to $6.75 billion in annual exports due to new US tariffs, potentially slowing GDP growth by 0.2%. The Ventura Securities report suggests India can mitigate losses through existing trade deals with Australia and UAE. Negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement are set to resume in August, with a potential October resolution. However, sticking points remain over US demands for access to India's agricultural and dairy markets.

Key Points: India Faces $6B Export Loss From US Tariffs as Trade Talks Continue

  • US tariffs risk 0.2% GDP slowdown for India
  • Trade talks to resume mid-August with October deal likely
  • India resists US demands on agriculture and dairy sectors
  • FTAs with UAE and Australia may offset export losses
2 min read

India may face annual export loss of USD 5-6.75 billion because of 25% tariffs imposed by US: Report

US tariffs may cost India $5-6.75B in annual exports, denting GDP growth by 0.2%, but FTAs and diversification could soften the blow.

"India can cushion much of the impact by leveraging recently concluded FTAs – Ventura Securities Report"

New Delhi, August 1

India may face an annual export loss of USD 5 to USD 6.75 billion if demand declines by 20 to 30 per cent because of 15 per cent tariff imposed by US, said a report by Ventura Securities.

Given the country's FY25 GDP of around USD 3.3 trillion (Rs 287 lakh crore), this shortfall could reduce GDP growth by approximately 0.15 to 0.2 per cent, the report added.

It further said that India's industry is expected to face short- to medium-term challenges due to US tariffs, however, during this period, the sector is likely to step up efforts to diversify its markets, with aim to maintain growth momentum.

US President Donald Trump has imposed 25 per cent tariff on goods from India and an additional penalty if India imports crude from Russia.

However, Ventura report highlighted that even with a 25 per cent US tariff, India is still competitive.

"While export volumes are bound to be impacted, India can cushion much of the impact by leveraging the recently concluded FTAs with Australia, UAE, EFTA, ASEAN, and SAARC countries," the report added.

While the sanctions are effective from today, higher tariffs will be imposed from August 7 onwards till a bilateral trade agreement is signed with the U.S. India continues to engage with the American counterparts to iron out the trade deal.

"Negotiations are expected to resume mid-August and the deal is likely to be clinched by October. In this case, the pain would be relatively short-term with an improved trade trajectory," the report added.

Over the past few months, India and the US have been negotiating for an interim trade deal, but there were some reservations from the Indian side on the US demand for opening up the agricultural and dairy sectors for the US.

Agriculture and dairy are critical for India as these two sectors provide livelihood opportunities to a large section of its people.

India reportedly faces US demands, including allowing remanufactured goods, opening up agriculture and dairy, accepting genetically modified (GM) feed, and adopting US rules on digital trade and product standards.

Experts have stated that the decision will have a varied impact on different sectors.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an NRI, I see both sides. While the tariffs hurt, India shouldn't compromise on agriculture and dairy sectors. These are lifelines for millions of farmers. Maybe we can find middle ground on digital trade though?
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Priyanka N
The report mentions diversification but are we doing enough? Our exports to Africa and Latin America are still minimal. Government needs to provide more incentives for exporters to explore new markets. #MakeInIndia
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Arjun K
Why is nobody talking about how this affects small businesses? My textile export unit in Surat is already struggling. These tariffs might be the final nail in the coffin. Need immediate relief measures!
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Michael C
The silver lining is that this might push India to improve product quality standards. Many Indian goods still don't meet international benchmarks. Tough times but could lead to positive changes long-term.
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Kavya N
The government should negotiate hard but also be practical. Losing $6 billion is not small change. Maybe we can offer concessions in non-sensitive areas while protecting our farmers? 🤔
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Vikram M
This shows why we need stronger economic ties with EU and Asian countries. Over-dependence on any single market is risky. Hope the ongoing FTA talks with UK and EU conclude soon!

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