Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Apr 10: The United States has temporarily lifted additional tariffs on Indian imports for 90 days, offering a breather to exporters until July 9, 2025. The move, announced through executive orders by the White House, suspends a portion of the broader tariff regime introduced earlier this month.

On April 2, President Donald Trump had imposed sweeping new import duties targeting around 60 countries, including India, as part of efforts to reduce the US trade deficit and promote domestic manufacturing. India was hit with an added 26% import duty, affecting a range of products from seafood to steel. The tariffs were similarly steep for other major exporters like Thailand, Vietnam, and China.

However, this suspension does not apply to China, including its territories Hong Kong and Macau, which continue to face higher duties.

According to the executive order, the suspension specifically affects enforcement of a key clause in Section 3(a) of Executive Order 14257, which details reciprocal tariffs laid out in Annex 1. The pause in implementation took effect from 12:01 a.m. EDT on April 10, 2025, and will remain in force until the same time on July 9, 2025.

Despite this temporary relief, the baseline 10% tariff on imports remains unchanged. Additionally, other tariffs—such as the 25% duties on steel and aluminium (effective since March 12), and those on automobiles and auto parts (since April 3)—are still being enforced.

Ajay Sahai, Director General of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), noted that critical sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and certain energy products remain exempt from the increased tariffs, which provides some stability for Indian exporters in key industries.

Trade experts suggest the suspension signals ongoing negotiations and flexibility in trade relations between the two nations, even amid a broader push by the US to revamp its global trade policy.