Overview
- An additional 25% duty under Executive Order 14329 took effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on August 27, lifting total U.S. tariffs on many Indian goods to 50%, according to DHS and CBP notices.
- Indian shipments loaded and in transit before the deadline can enter at prior rates if cleared by September 17 using customs code HTSUS 9903.01.85.
- Specified categories are excluded, with electronics and pharmaceuticals spared, and items already covered by separate Section 232 measures, such as steel, aluminum and passenger vehicles, not subject to the new surcharge.
- Exporter groups estimate roughly 55% of India’s merchandise sales to the U.S. (around $87 billion) are exposed, with labor‑intensive sectors including textiles, gems and jewellery, seafood, leather and furniture reporting disrupted orders.
- New Delhi called the tariffs unfair and says relief for affected exporters is being prepared, while a planned U.S. trade delegation visit was postponed and talks seeking a lower cap on duties stalled.