Saturday brought India’s Commerce Ministry into the fray of US trade turbulence, issuing a statement on the Supreme Court’s tariff takedown and President Trump’s immediate riposte. The court’s 6-3 ruling dismantled Trump’s broad levies as unconstitutional executive overstep, reserving tariff turf for Congress alone.
Trump fired back in a press conference, activating Trade Act Section 122 for a 10% import tax on select goods from February 24, lasting 150 days. Dubbed a remedy for ‘fundamental balance of payments problems,’ it waives duties on pivotal imports: critical minerals, energy derivatives, fertilizers, pharma inputs, electronics, autos, and more.
The ministry noted: ‘We have taken cognizance of yesterday’s US Supreme Court judgment on import duties. President Donald Trump held a press conference thereon. US administration has indicated certain measures. We are examining the implications of these developments.’
A White House primer elaborated on presidential latitude for surcharges amid payment crises. Trump further ordered USTR to launch Section 301 inquiries targeting unfair overseas practices stifling US exports. For India, exporting $50 billion-plus in goods yearly to America, this spells vigilance: exempted pharma and IT may dodge bullets, but others risk escalation.
Global trade watchers see this as Trump’s chess move in a constitutional checkmate. New Delhi’s probe could shape future pacts, emphasizing mutual benefits over unilateralism. As markets mull the 150-day clock, India’s exporters recalibrate, embodying resilience in an era of tariff tightropes.