<h1>Government unveils export support package for exporters hit by 50% US tariff and major GST overhaul consolidating rates</h1> The government is designing a comprehensive package to support exporters affected by a 50% tariff recently imposed by the United States, including a phased 25% penalty tied to crude oil purchases; a multi-departmental assessment is underway with ministries collecting sector-specific impact data. Labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, seafood, leather, footwear, chemicals and machinery are reported as affected, while pharma, energy products and electronics are excluded. Separately, the government announced a major GST overhaul effective Sept 22 that consolidates rates to 5% and 18%, eliminates 12% and 28% slabs, makes some food items tax-free, exempts individual health and life insurance premiums from tax, and creates a 40% slab for select sin and ultra-luxury goods.