10% Additional Tariff on Indian Exports Takes Effect in US Today, Uncertainty Over 15% Hike

Washington: Trump's tariff game in America has again shocked everyone. When the Supreme Court declared his huge global tariffs illegal on February 20, Trump immediately came up with a new plan. Now from February 24 (Tuesday), Indian exports are also going to be charged 10% additional tariff for 150 days, and there is talk of increasing it to 15% soon. But the notification of 15% has not come yet, due to which there is uneasiness among the traders.

What was the decision of the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court ruled by a 6-3 majority that the President cannot impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Calling it a 'national emergency', Trump had imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% on many countries last year, including a 25% reciprocity on India plus an extra 25% due to Russian oil, reaching 50%. The court considered this an encroachment of the president's rights. After the decision, Trump called it "horrible and anti-American."

When and how much will the new tariff be implemented?

On February 21, Trump signed a proclamation imposing a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which will be effective at 12:01 am (EST) on February 24. This will last for 150 days. The very next day, by posting on Truth Social, they announced they would increase it to 15%, but the formal order has not come yet. This tariff will be in addition to the existing MFN (Most Favored Nation) duty.

What will be the impact on India? 

Suppose earlier there was 5% MFN duty on an Indian product. Now if 10% extra is added the total will be 15%. Could reach 20% if additional 15% applied. Recently there was an interim trade deal with India, in which there was talk of bringing the tariff up to 18%, but now this new 15% global tariff is the same for everyone. The earlier hit of 50% has now reduced, but uncertainty remains.

What happened in India-US trade talks?

A meeting of the Indian delegation was planned in Washington on 23-26 February, where there was talk of giving final legal shape to the interim deal. But now it has been postponed. The Government of India is reviewing the situation and does not want to take any hasty steps.

What about a refund?

US CBP (Customs and Border Protection) announced that the collection of IEEPA tariffs will stop from February 24. There are questions on why the recovery continued even in the last few days. There is still suspense on refund. Democratic lawmakers have sought to introduce a bill demanding $175 billion in tariff refunds and interest.

Trump's warning and what next?

Trump said on Truth Social that countries that try to back out of the recent deal or "play games" will be hit with more tariffs. Uncertainty has increased in global trade. Countries like India are cautious because this is temporary but Trump's policy is changing again and again. Traders are now keeping an eye on the next 150 days to see what happens. Overall, there has been relief but not complete.