India Seeks Exemption Amid US Tariff Deadline

As US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs deadline approaches, India seeks an exemption to facilitate seamless bilateral trade, with experts suggesting this could help expand trade to $500 billion. The agricultural sector, which holds a $3.46 billion surplus with the US, is particularly vulnerable to these tariffs, prompting experts to advocate for strategic tariff adjustments. Trump's tariffs on metal imports, aimed at boosting US manufacturing, have already disrupted UK industries and could similarly impact Indian exports, particularly in high-tariff sectors like automobiles and agriculture. Despite potential impacts, India's $4 trillion economy is expected to absorb any potential $10 billion hit from tariffs, remaining an attractive investment destination. Ongoing trade negotiations may lead to reduced tariffs on over half of US imports to India, potentially mitigating some adverse effects ahead of the April 2 deadline.