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National News: The United States has started charging higher import taxes on products from India and many other countries. This new step has added pressure to the trade relationship between the two nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead a special cabinet meeting today at 1 PM to understand how this decision will affect Indian exports. Government officials may also decide on certain actions to protect Indian trade interests.
The US has raised taxes on some Indian goods to as high as 50%. This is part of a larger trade policy change aimed at supporting American industries. In today’s meeting, Indian leaders will discuss how to respond and reduce any losses for exporters.
From Thursday midnight, the US has applied new taxes on imports from over 60 countries and the European Union. Goods from the EU, Japan, and South Korea will face a 15% tariff, while products from Taiwan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh will have a 20% tariff. The US hopes these countries will invest more money in America.
The higher tax on Indian products will also impact the US market. Spices imported from India, which are used in homes, restaurants, and food factories, will become more expensive. This means cooking and dining costs in the US could go up.
A US trade group has warned that prices of many spices may rise because of this policy. Last year, the US bought more than $410 million worth of spices from India, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
India and the US have been trying to finalize a trade agreement, but discussions have slowed down. The main issues are agriculture and dairy products. The US wants India to open its market for American farm and dairy goods, but India has concerns about protecting its local producers.
Today’s cabinet meeting will help decide India’s next steps. The government may choose direct talks with the US, consider its own tariffs, or look for new markets for exports.