<h1>US Imposes 25% Tariff on $48B of Indian Exports, Exempting Key Sectors Under New Trade Rules</h1> The United States has imposed a 25 percent tariff on approximately half of India's $86 billion exports to the US, affecting sectors including textiles, gems and jewelry, shrimp, leather, chemicals, and machinery, totaling around $48 billion. Exemptions apply to pharmaceuticals, electronics, energy products, and critical minerals, mitigating impact on these categories. The tariffs stem from a US executive order modifying reciprocal tariff rates on nearly 70 countries, reflecting a shift toward protectionism. Indian exporters, particularly in apparel, face significant challenges, with calls for government intervention to prevent losses and layoffs. The US-India bilateral trade stood at $131.8 billion in 2024-25, with India maintaining a trade surplus. Exporters are advised to diversify markets, while the US has allowed relief for goods already in transit before the August 7 deadline. The tariffs mark a notable escalation in trade tensions between the two nations.