New Delhi, 21 February (H.S.): The United States will impose only a 10 percent tariff on India instead of the previously agreed 18 percent, clarifying the landscape following President Donald Trump's new executive order signed on Friday. This uniform 10 percent duty on worldwide imports, effective February 24, supersedes prior deals after the US Supreme Court invalidated broader tariffs.

In a 6-3 decision penned by Chief Justice John Roberts, the Supreme Court ruled Trump's expansive tariffs exceeded legal bounds under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, deeming them unlawful. Trump, expressing deep disappointment with the disloyal justices, signed the order within three hours, invoking Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act for a temporary, nondiscriminatory 10 percent tariff lasting 150 days—extendable only with Congressional approval.

A White House statement affirmed that trading partners like India, despite earlier higher-tariff interim agreements, now face solely the 10 percent rate. US agencies received immediate directives to halt collections on prior reciprocal tariffs, offering exporters substantial relief; previously imposed in 2025-2026 for national security and trade deficit reduction, these duties had jolted global commerce.

India benefits significantly, especially after Trump's early February reduction from 50 to 18 percent alongside an interim trade pact—finalized frameworks expected next month. Experts note this trims the burden sharply from prior levels. While Section 232 and 301 tariffs on steel, autos, and others persist, the new measure exempts USMCA-compliant goods, pharmaceuticals, energy, and select sectors under investigation. Trump's administration eyes further probes into unfair practices targeting nations like Japan, the EU, and Canada.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar