<h1>Southern State Seeks Special Relief Package Amid Rising US Tariffs Impacting Export Sectors and Jobs</h1> The Chief Minister of a southern Indian state has urged the central government to provide a special financial relief package in response to increased US tariffs on Indian exports, which currently stand at 25 percent and may rise to 50 percent. The state, heavily reliant on the US market, faces disproportionate economic impact, particularly in labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, apparel, machinery, auto components, gems and jewelry, leather, footwear, marine products, and chemicals. The proposed relief measures include a moratorium on principal repayments, correction of the GST inverted duty structure, exemption of import duties on cotton, extension of collateral-free loans with interest subvention, enhanced export duty remission benefits, and expanded credit facilities. The state also recommends a special interest subvention scheme for all exporters affected by tariffs and acceleration of free trade agreements to mitigate high-tariff risks. The request emphasizes urgent government intervention to protect employment and export competitiveness amid the escalating tariff threat.