<h1>Trade tariffs curb exports, widening the trade deficit as import composition and sectoral contractions prompt calls for policy support.</h1> Exports contracted in October chiefly due to the imposition of 50 per cent tariffs by a trading partner, while a steep rise in gold and silver imports and increased inbound shipments of other commodities produced a record monthly trade deficit. Multiple export sectors-engineering goods, petroleum products, gems and jewellery, apparel and textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics-saw declines. Industry bodies called for expedited benefits, better credit access and reduced compliance burdens to restore export competitiveness, even as services exports remained comparatively stronger over the provisional period.